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aspenforest732 · 23 hours ago

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Libertias aut Mortis Chapter 9: Thinker/Tinker Raid

Summary:

tw: graphic depiction of violence, loss of limb, medical shock, electrocution, child torture, severe isolation, blood, starvation, chemical warfare, burns Last chapter of daily upload schedule :)

Notes:

Thinker quirks are mental or perception, Tinker quirks are related to tech aka best two surveillance types of quirks ‘text’ JSL Text thoughts Page break text page break ???

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Mortis flexed their wings again, marveling in the vaguely familiar but also entirely foreign limbs as the feathers quivered. They took a few more experimental swoops about the trees where the rest of the surface team perched and practiced. A mixture of sparrows, shrikes, and two pigeons, they had to wait for the small earthquake from Shigaraki to take off with other forest critters towards the city. Nothing so major that it would disrupt the wildlife for more than a week or so.

Mortis cocked their head at the clear, slightly sweet smell wafting up from the ground. A full-body shudder swept through them as their feathers prickled, the other birds save Ainmorph doing the same. A flurry of wing beats and cushioned hoofbeats filled the air, and the flock rose with it in a mix of confusion and instinct. Not even a minute into their flight towards Kanazawa, the earth below trembled, a few saplings falling in the mini migration from the Shenmin Nature Preserve.

As the sparkling moonlit city came into view, the group dispersed into their respective teams with Mortis joining the compound strike force. Animorph dropped a quiet member simply introduced as Nine, he/him pronouns. A storm slowly “rolled in” as he let his main quirk build, lightning jumping between clouds as static and humidity made Mortis’ feathers poof. They chirped in protest, grooming their feathers before realizing what they were doing with a start. The winds picked up, carrying the strike team closer to the compound and the patrol team along the path Overwatch’s car would take if it followed the day route while tossing them about enough to be more natural.

Right as the night ticked into morning and the patrols gathered, twin bolts of lightning struck the compound and the car. Animorph dropped all but himself and Gigantomachia, keeping the destructive tank in reserves. All hell broke loose as alarms blared throughout the city.

Mortis rapidly warped through the statues activating, not bothering with clones. They rushed to the door as fighting erupted behind them. Squish, flick . With a bright turquoise flash, Rose Quartz’s molten bismuth jetted from the bead directly into the lock, rapidly expanding as it cooled. Mortis side stepped as the locking mechanism shattered with a spray of rainbow crystals.

Throwing open the door, Mortis experimentally warped a step. A small dip in their stamina confirmed suspicions. CRASH . Jumping slightly, Mortis darted forward. They winced at the metallic scrape that grated on their ears, backing off as they spotted the network of hair-thin wires stretching across the hallway. Mortis lightly tossed a piece of fabric at the wires, wincing as it burst into flames with a spark of electricity. With the statue robots blocked the doorway, they quickly double-checked their tassels weren’t damaged and sprayed the wires with neon yellow. A winding path through the wires emerged, but that would take too much time. Mortis warped to the other side, stumbling slightly at the increased drain. Shit, of course.

Mortis hesitated, briefly considering finding the control room. No, stay on task. The others can take the path or brute force their way through . Going a little slower, Mortis wound their way through the halls, dodging projectiles they marked with red and… running straight into a concealed electrical field. Knocked back, they rubbed their chest, glad their costume took the brunt of it. Where is everyone?

Mortis quickly scanned the area for a deactivation or override mechanism to no avail. Spraying yellow just in front of the field on the wall, Mortis brought their capture weapon to float around their head. Should provide at least some protection . With a deep breath, they charged forward, shuddering as a sharp tingling washed over their body. Their head pounded and heart stuttered then it was over. Quickly unraveling the weapon, Mortis dove to the side as Memento barreled into them.

Rolling to the side, Mortis tried to twist out of the lock he had on their legs. They almost wrested out of his grasp when Memento redoubled his efforts. He easily flipped them on their stomach and jabbed into their back, winding them. Memento stood, swinging them away from the field slightly. Eyes wide, they warped just as he started to throw them. Mortis pivoted around in a crouch wielding their knives defensively, mind racing as they eyed their opponent. They moved their capture weapon to settle loosely around their left wrist while most of it hung in the air about their shoulders.

“You take things too far, Mori,” Memento said.

Mortis’s eye twitched. Ah yes, I do. Says the one who tried to throw me into - Mortis snapped their capture weapon out, yanking his leg to the side. Memento stumbled forward, almost falling but grabbing at the weapon. Mortis uncoiled and recalled it, snapping it upwards to slash across his face. Blood sprayed out from the deep cut from one cheek to the other side of his forehead.

Memento rocked back, slightly dazed. Pressing their advantage, Mortis surged forward and whipped the capture weapon around, slashing out with their knife with the capture weapon still sharpened. Memento threw his hands up to block but the capture weapon sailed over, slicing deep into his head as he fell backwards.

Not wanting to take any chances, Mortis wrapped their capture weapon around his arm and pulled him into the field. They covered their nose with their scarf as his body sizzled and burned from the electricity crackled through it. After a few long moments, the field deactivated. Whipipng back around, Mortis scanned the hallway for any other opponents. With a satisfied nod, they continued their dash with a more pronounced limp.

As they drew closer to the center of the compound, Mortis tried to remember which rooms they had been in. They pushed back the tide of memories trying to wash over them from being back here, forcing their focus into finding the server room.

Mortis slid to a stop at the intersection between the trigger suite, the hallway their tormentors always came from, and a mystery. Come on, stick to the plan. Get the kids on the way out. It’s safer for everyone. Just

A whimper too quiet to be real pulled Mortis off course. If it is real, it’s definitely a trap. You know that. Still, their feet carried them further into the torture hall. Mortis peeked into each door they passed, stomach churning at the stains and noxious fumes that assaulted their senses. Just get back on track. You’re supposed to have someone with you. If they lasted this long, they’ll be fine for a few more minutes.

Ignoring the pesky voice of reason, Mortis threw open another door to find a tiny kid cowering in the corner. Glancing up, they scrunched further into themself, muttering frantically in a tiny voice as their too-thin fingers worked a familiar puzzle. Mortis dropped into a crouch, making themself as small as possible. They slowly approached with a blank expression, barely holding in the rage and sorrow that would scare the child even more. Although malnutrition could’ve stunted growth as it did for them, the kid still barely looked old enough to be in the triggering regiment.

Mortis pulled out the clone Twice made of Compress and tapped the marble twice before setting it on the ground. The child dropped the puzzle and cowered in the corner, pressing further into the wall as Compress formed.

“Oh kami, it’s quite alright, my dear,” Compress comforted. The kid just cried harder, making themself as small a target as possible.

Mortis pressed their lips into a thin line, ‘ I don’t think they’ll be able to communicate in this state. I’m not even sure if they know we’re real. ’

“In that case, I’m afraid I’ll need to touch you, my dear. Can I touch your arm? You’ll be in a small, quiet space where it’s very pretty. No one’s going to hurt you anymore,” Compress slowly approached as he spoke. The child slumped, whimpering as they fell still, no petrified. Compress gently touched their arm, earning a flinch causing the kid’s head to hit the wall. The pair winced in sympathy as a small blue marble formed in the older’s hand.

“Now, I don’t believe enough time has passed for you to upload the virus. Is this a one-time detour or was there a change of plans?”

Mortis teethed their lip, barely remembering to be gentle. ‘ I couldn’t leave them. ’

Compress nodded firmly, eyes hard underneath his mask. “Then let’s move quickly.”

The pair dashed down the hall, each trigger room they checked worse than the previous. Fortunately, the rest were empty, the hallway ending with the sleeping quarters. Inside, three children bolted upright, staring at the pair in various stages of despondency.

“Everything will turn out right now, we’ll make it so.” Compress warmly smiled at the children, gesturing grandly with his cane. The three looked to each other then blankly back at the pair. “Come, gather your things. You won’t suffer any longer.”

The oldest, who was at most ten, grew resigned and helped the other two gather their handful of things despondently. Confused, Compress turned to Mortis. ‘ They think we’re taking them to another compound. It’s a common warning they’ve seen happen to siblings and cousins. ’

Confusion turned into cold anger he was quick to mask when the children looked back. “Now, for safe transport, I’m going to give you each your own beautiful, but small, space. You might hear scary things going on, but you’ll be safe inside. I will need to touch you, so please indicate where would be most comfortable.”

At their confusion, the oldest presented one of his scarred arms, and the others followed suit. With three more marbles in his coat, Compress gave a tip of his hat and marbled himself. Mortis quickly snatched it out of the air and took off back down the hall. They stumbled, falling into the wall as the floor violently shook underneath them. The walls vibrated with the force.

Shit, was that Epi or Gigantomachia? Either option was bad, but it at least shouldn’t have been an afterquake from Shigaraki’s undersoil dehydration. If it was… Koji’s gonna be pissed . Mortis winced as static crackled in their ear.

“Overwatch Wren down. Interference field down. Mortis, where are you?” Dabi asked over coms.

“Detoured for some kids. On way to server room,” Mortis transmitted.

“Fuck. Okay, we lost Mayhew. Fighting Epi and her posse now. Be careful and follow the plan ,” Dabi ground out.

With a ping of acknowledgement, Mortis picked up their pace down the mystery hallway. Their stomach sank as they saw paintings of battles, violent animals, dinosaurs, and monsters dotting the hallway. Mortis could just make out a door when they saw a figure moving in a painting depicting a bloody battlefield with an army surrounding a grand sacrifice. They jumped back as a spindly hand started to reach out.

Mortis snapped their capture weapon forward, but it slammed into the painting as the hand retreated. Slowly turning in a circle, their eyes darted between the paintings. She would always be an extra figure but in the same style. The slightest clack of metal against a gilded picture frame warned them a moment too late as gauntleted hands dug into their shoulders and pulled them roughly into a painting.

Heart pounding, Mortis flung out their capture weapon and pulled it tight to join their forearms. A thin yellow ochre mist clung to the air around them in a dirt trench while soldiers stared. Immediately holding their breath, Mortis ducked into their air filtration mask as their eyes started to water.

Mayhew, covered head-to-toe in protective gear, yanked on her end to pull the capture weapon taught and hacked down with a knife, but it only collided with a dull shunk . The soldiers around them started coughing, angry red burns and blisters forming on exposed skin.

“I’m willing to die for my cause. Are you?” Mortis transmitted on speaker. The sound echoed hollowly about them as they resolutely ignored the sharp pain where they weren’t fully protected.

Mayhew glared, a sinister gleam in her eye. “I’m not the one exposed now, am I?”

Mortis sharpened the end of their capture weapon attached to her, slicing through the fabric of her costume and pulling it down. They quickly resecured the capture weapon as Mayhew dashed toward the front of the painting. Mortis just barely managed to hold on as she tried to get out of the capture weapon while exiting. Their eyes snapped wide as she slipped out while Mortis was still emerging. Shit.

Scrunching into themself in anticipation, Mortis sucked in a sharp breath as something severed. They lashed out with their capture weapon. Mayhew stumbled back in surprise, desperately grasping at the fabric as it wrapped around her neck. Her body hit the floor with two dull thud as Mortis panted.

They quickly grabbed a tourniquet and cranked it tightly above their stump. “Mayhew down.” Gulping in a few breaths, Mortis extended their crutches and maneuvered onto their feet. Well, foot. Fuck I’m gonna have to relearn this . Pushing forward unsteadily, they added, “Parts don’t eject on her death. At server room now.”

The line when silent for a moment before Dabi asked, voice deceptively calm, “Mortis, what does that mean?”

“I’ll be fine.” With the security measures down, Mortis slipped into the massive server room filled with aisles upon aisles of storage. A quick glance revealed a console a little down the right wall. Limping over, Mortis plugged in the thumb drive and watched the progress bar for a few seconds. Almost… there! “Upload complete.”

“Good, we picked up two kids on our way. Warping in 5… 4…”

While Dabi counted down, Mortis braced themself to land with their weight on the crutches. Warp was a bit trickier to maneuver with, but it just meant more practice. Emerging in the Takayama safehouse, Mortis pitched forward. They pushed back with the wrong crutch and started to tip over sideways.

“Tano, over here!” Isao caught them and guided them to a chair, brow creasing as he looked them over. His eyes widened at the stump that cut off cleanly just below their calf. “What happened?”

‘ World War 1 painting. Yellow-brown gas. How’s everyone else? ’ Mortis squinted as the room shifted in and out of focus. Their skin burned and prickled where it’d been exposed.

“A few others will be staying here for their injuries, but most can wait. Renegade is the only death,” Dabi reported as Tano hurried over.

“Only? His death wasn’t only anything,” someone snapped.

“We all knew the risk. War takes anyone.”

Tano gently tilted their head, riding out the slight flinch. He shone a light in their eyes and hummed at their wince. “Sounds like mustard gas. I’ll give you a round of antibiotics in case you inhaled some.”

Mortis nodded and maneuvered their leg up a bit for easier access. They wobbled a bit in the chair, but Isao quickly stabilized them. “Clean cut straight across… you’ll need a skin graft unless you want to go through Giran for regeneration.”

Mortis immediately shook their head. ‘ Too expensive. ’

“You still have a favor,” Isao offered.

They hesitated a moment but shook their head. The endgame would need it far more than they needed a foot back. Isao helped them through the small crowd to the makeshift care station. Compress looked up as he finished taping Sterling’s ribs and startled at their appearance.

“Oh kami! Come, my dear, sit down.” Compress scurried around the room as Tano directed him to grab supplies and tools. Mortis finally forced themself to take a deep breath as the adrenaline slowly bled out of their system. They slumped into Isao, watching the pair work while retreating into themself.

A sharp, distant pain from their leg pulsed in through the fog, and Akira was dimly aware of Isao speaking for them. A soft, warm blanket draped over their shoulders just snug enough to trap the heat without being suffocating. They shivered, cold sweat beading on their skin even under the blanket. Pulling it tighter, Akira closed their eyes against their head swimming.

A persistent tapping on their arm forced their eyes open to half-heartedly glare up at Isao. His brows creased in worry as he mouthed words, but they couldn’t hear anything over their head pounding. Blinking rapidly, Akira swayed and tried to compensate but tipped forward, easily caught by Isao’s arms. Everything felt muffled and far away as they were lowered onto their back, scrunching their eyes against the bright lights.

Notes:

Sooo first thought was forest fire, but obviously that would damage relations with the public and Koji, which would be bad. So I found that earthquakes can cause mini migrations from an area. I didn’t just want to copy Gale Force’s quirk so looked for what could “naturally” cause one. Turns out dehydration of the subsurface soil can cause earthquakes. Since I changed Shigaraki’s quirk to dehydration, didn’t seem that far off 🙂 from there, was just a matter of finding a good location to push wildlife towards the city and a way to get underneath it. Shenmin Nature Preserve was perfect, especially with the abandoned Kuradani mine running underneath (or at least close enough) Fun Fact: Mayhew’s quirk is inspired by a children’s book called “Katie and the Impressionists” by James Mayhew. Ooh that’s where I got the name! I totally forgot and thought it was a play on Maes Hughes from Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Lemme know if you want a breakdown of the quirks here, it hit me as I was uploading that I never explicitly state what they are.

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#nonbinary #agender #aro ace #lgbtqia #mha #when good people go to war #libertias aut mortis #bnha #fanfic #ao3 fanfic #nonbinary mc #mr compress #umbra mortis #dabi #plf #chapter 9

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puppetwritings · 6 years ago

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To Heaven and Back || Pt. 6 || Junhui

Pt. 1 // Pt. 2 // Pt. 3 // Pt. 4 // Pt. 5 // Pt. 6 // Pt. 7 //

➢ Word Count: 4101

➢ Genre: chinese mythology, fantasy, angst, fluff

➢ Summary: You had been a martial god, sitting at the helm of Heaven’s armies, for a very long time. So long, that you had began to forget what your human life was like but for some reason, recently, you were dreaming of past events again.

——–

Days turned to months and months eventually to years. As you sat at your desk, dazedly staring up at the ceiling, you couldn’t help but allow a certain person’s face to surface into your mind. He had been very close but even before that, he had been sitting aside looking so refined…was your heart moved? No, it wasn’t. It was not his face that haunted you, but his words. Why had he spoken like you two had met before…for a recluse like him, as his followers had so nicely informed you, he should not have bothered with someone who he knew was a god.

“General,” Minghao’s sing-song voice floated into the room as he swung two jugs of wine in his hands. “Look what I brought.”

“I’m uninterested.”

“Oh, please,” Minghao sighed, setting down the jugs before pulling out two cups. “When are you uninterested in wine?”

“Is it from Kunlun?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Pour me a cup,” you sighed with fake reluctance. “Did you run into General Yu on your way here?”

“You and that General Yu have become quite good friends after you adopted Young Master Yu under your wing,” Minghao noted.

“We just happen to see each other more often now since Yu Lingjin keeps coming over and General Yu needs to pull him back,” you shrugged, taking a sip.

“Shall I prepare a cup for General Yu?”

“Sure.”

Another cup was fashioned out of Minghao’s sleeve and placed beside you two. About fifteen minutes later, General Yu showed.

It was odd seeing General Yu at night. In the day, he wore his armor as he would patrol the Heavens, but at night he looked like a young man with noble blood. His hair was half pinned up and he wore robes similar to Yu Lingjin’s, though there were hints of gold on his outfit. General Yu bowed before sitting down with the two other gods.

“Yu Shenmin,” Minghao shook his head as he poured General Yu a drink, “How could you be so late?”

“You probably only arrived fifteen minutes ago,” General Yu said, his lips touching the cup curved in a small smile.

Minghao stared at General Yu. “How…”

“General Yu’s perception is as fantastic as always,” you said, saluting him with a laugh. Minghao’s shocked expression was always something that brought a smile to your face. “But, do tell, why are you late?”

“As you know, in the past ten years there has been commotion coming from the demon clans,” General let out a long sigh as Minghao poured him another drink. He took a sip before turning back to his two companions. “I was dealing with that.”

“How troublesome,” Minghao murmured.

You looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “Why is it troublesome? If we happen to get into an all-out war, you’d be the one to stay and hold down the fort. You don’t have to fight.”

“Which is why I’m saying it’s troublesome,” Minghao said, a dry smile on his face. There was one thing that hung in the air that no one dared voice out; if it was bad enough that the gods had to descend upon the mortal realm, there would be a low chance of returning alive.

“Let us not discuss this matter any longer,” General Yu suddenly said. The two gods immediately agreed. He turned to you. “What have you been doing?”

“Me?” you thought for a moment. “Sit around, train some deities and underlings, listen to Lord Xu play music…read. I tried painting.”

“She was terrible at it,” Minghao mumbled.

General Yu chuckled. “You are not thinking of taking up any missions?”

You shook your head. “I don’t need much merit or incense to stay alive. I’ve done my share when I was down in the mortal realm.”

General Yu shook his head and Minghao stared at you with amusement in his eyes. Many gods shared the same sentiment, but still tried to earn merit wherever they could. General Yu and Minghao could only applaud you for your lack of motivation.

“Say,” General Yu frowned, “Has General Liang returned?”

You turned to Minghao, who was always in the know. Minghao shook his head. “Should he have?”

“He should have. He said he was going to investigate and then disappeared—it’s been several weeks. Unless something unfortunate has happened to him…”

“Then wouldn’t it be better for us all?” you grumbled. “Ever since that General Liang came, he’s been scaring everyone senseless! No one dares have fun anymore.”

“Right? He’s always telling everyone to pay attention and be serious,” Minghao mumbled. “He ought to lighten up a bit.”

“He’s still stuck in the past,” General Yu said. “It takes a lot for someone to become accustomed to sitting above and not worry about the mortal realm. Perhaps in another thousand years he will get used to it.”

You and Minghao shuddered. A thousand years? You two were sure that even after a million years, that man will continue to be blood-thirsty and act as if he had a stick tapped to his back.

Ever since General Liang came into the spotlight, he had not been favored by anyone. From top to bottom, everyone thought he was unfit to be a god. But what could the Emperor do? General Liang hadn’t done anything to violate rules, therefore he could not be kicked out. He had ascended and there was no way anyone could refute this fact. They could only wait until he stepped over the line—and the line was very thin as the Emperor also wanted to see him out of Heaven. As for now, the gods and deities were out of luck.

“As long as he doesn’t impede on our peace?” you lifted the cup and clinked it against the other two with a small smile, “Then I’ll be content.”

“Speak of the devil and he doth appear,” Minghao said.

“To point it out, allows for a higher chance,” General Yu added on.

“Can’t you two just allow me to be happy?” you mumbled, drinking the wine in one gulp. “I like my days like this; flowing where the river takes me.”

Minghao sighed dramatically. “It seems our heroine has retired for good and nothing can lure her out of her cave.”

“Shouldn’t we count that as a good thing? A sleeping dragon signals safe time,” General Yu said.

It was then that Yu Lingjin came out without a warning from your servants. He bowed low before standing straight.

“Lingjin,” General Yu looked at him in surprise. “Did something happen?”

Yu Lingjin frowned, his lips pursed as his eyes fluttered to you. “General…I advise you to be alert.”

General Yu had no confusion as to which general he was talking to as Yu Lingjin always referred to him as “General Yu”. General Yu turned to you, an uneasy expression on his face.

You laughed. “Young Master Yu, we haven’t seen each other in six months and you’ve learned how to talk in riddles?”

“Under General Yu’s instructions, I have been following General Liang,” Yu Lingjin said. There was a pained look in his eyes. His words were sincere. “General, please. No matter what happens next, keep your head about you and be calm.”

You frowned. “Is it that serious?”

“Can’t you just tell us what happened?” Minghao asked, sitting straighter now that he’s heard Yu Lingjin’s serious yet mysterious warning.

Yu Lingjin glanced at General Yu who looked at him with equally imploringly. “I…was told by the Emperor not to speak.”

The Emperor.

The three gods sat in complete and utter silence. If someone were to pass by now, they would think no one was inside because they didn’t even dare breathe. It seemed that General Liang had said something to the Emperor and Yu Lingjin had been present. The Emperor then warned Yu Lingjin to not speak of it but the young man sped off to warn the people involved quickly. Seeing that the Emperor didn’t stop him, you and the other two could only assume it was something the Emperor didn’t want to happen, but it wasn’t in his control.

“General,” you turned to see Minghao’s bitter smile. “It seems your peaceful days are about to come to an end.”

You smiled at him drily but thought to yourself—it couldn’t be that bad.

If you asked someone to explain, clearly, what had happened, no one would even by able to open their mouths. Even the people involved were twisted around and confused. At first, the Emperor had allowed General Liang to speak but then it seemed that he was just spouting nonsense, so the Emperor dismissed him. Yu Lingjin agreed with this sentiment and a hint of smugness was shown in his glistening eyes. But General Liang refused and even insisted on searching your room.

This was when Yu Lingjin broke away and rushed to inform you.

This bit of information was indeed hurriedly sent out. The search didn’t happen for a few days. When it did happen, it happened in a whirlwind and you couldn’t have grasped what had occurred. You had just woken up—although your recovery time was better than a mortal’s, it was still confusing to see guards march in early in the morning, ransacking your things. Once you gained your bearings, you did not oppose them. You only stood off to the side with your servants and the disciples and underlings under you.

“Found it,” General Liang said, his yellow, crooked teeth barred with pleasure.

This was the first time you had seen General Liang since your death and his appearance was better than you remembered. Perhaps it was your past situation that distorted his face or maybe it was Heaven’s work that made his face look more appealing—it could also be the fact that his face wasn’t currently a mask of others’ blood. He was rugged and was no way an appealing man but he was also in no way a monster. His teeth were crooked, but not sharp. He had many scars just on his face and his hands were heavily callused. His beard was long and he seemed to be balding. His appearance did not fit into Heaven’s aesthetic, which was always clean cut and never this. Even in Diyu, the Underworld, no one had the look of a crook.

“And just what did you find?” you asked, keeping your calm façade. You were really curious though. What had this scallion found that made him so excited and sure that he could bury you in the dirt.

“This,” General Liang held up a box that contained your jewelry.

“My jewelry box?” you sneered. “How will that help you with anything?”

“It’s this hairpin,” General Liang pulled out a delicate and simple jade hairpin and stared at it with crazed eyes. “It’s coated with demonic energy.”

Unable to stand it, your attendant stepped forward. “What sort of nonsense are you spewing? If you’re going to accuse our general, say it out right! Running around in circles like a headless chicken, looking for made up clues—aren’t you embarrassed?”

“Ningan,” you pulled her back and stepped forward, bowing. “Forgive her, General Liang. I haven’t taught her well.”

General Liang’s eyes flashed, chilling you to the bone. He was not suited to be a god—everyone in the room felt—but no one said a thing.

“Let me explain to you, little flower,” General Liang said smugly. He held up the hair pin again, in triumph. “This hairpin belonged to a demon! You have it so it must be some sort of promise present.”

“Promise present?” you scoffed.

“Our general isn’t interested in love and petty things that mortals are into,” your other attendant, Shu Weian, spoke up. You shot him a warning look and Weian backed up as well.

“This is your point?” you asked, turning back to General Liang.

“General!” a guard of General Liang’s ran over, bowing as he held up several sheets of paper with handwriting that was similar to yours. Your eyes widened and your face flushed in indignation.

“This should be enough evidence,” General Liang smirked, holding up the love letters. He turned to his guards. “Guards, arrest her. She has been caught colluding and fraternizing with the demons.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Wait—”

“You bastard—”

“Weian, Ningan,” you held up your hand as the two attempted to lurch forward. They stopped immediately. In fact, all movement had stopped. The gods who were just outside watched you worriedly. Some openly glared at General Liang while others could only watch the scene with a frown. “Stand down. Go to General Yu, he’ll keep you safe.”

“But master—” the two were immediately cut off. You stepped forward and allowed them to tie you up with the Power Suppression Cord and you were pulled off.

Yu Lingjin looked at the scrolls in his hands and then up at the bookshelves that stretched until he couldn’t make out where the top was anymore. After a moment of deliberation, he jumped and launched himself to the highest part of the bookshelf. His feet stayed firmly on a surface of air he had created and he started to put the scrolls into their respective areas. Yu Lingjin hated library duty.

“Lingjin,” General Yu’s deep voice drifted up to him. “Lingjin, come out.”

There was a beat where Yu Lingjin considered to ignore his master’s words but after putting in the last scroll, Yu Lingjin gracefully floated down. With one knee bent and his posture bowed, his hands folded out in front of him, he greeted General Yu. “What is it that General Yu wants?”

General Yu’s harsh face softened. “I need you to come with me on a mission.”

Yu Lingjin frowned and he looked up. “A mission?”

“More specifically, I need you to go on one alone. People will think we’ve gone together, but I have secret business to take care of.”

“Then…then how—”

“We will use the dummy.”

Yu Lingjin hated the dummy. It took the place of General Yu whenever he had to sneak off. It sat there in place of meetings, in place of war, in place of treaties. Yu Lingjin might seem close to General Yu on the surface but, in reality, this young master has no idea where General Yu runs off to! Although the dummy would have a hint of General Yu’s soul, it wasn’t enough if people start questioning it. Yu Lingjin has spent much of his immortal life covering up for General Yu and, yet, he still did not know where the General goes. Does he go see a lover? A friend? A secret companion? Yu Lingjin honestly had no clue. This time, Yu Lingjin was determined to find out.

With his usual cold, stone face, Yu Lingjin lifted his head. “General Yu, where are you going this time?”

General Yu felt a sense of what mortals might feel when their children ask them why they are sneaking out so late in the night. General Yu almost broke out into a cold sweat but then remembered he only needed to answer vaguely. “Away.”

“General Yu,” Yu Lingjin frowned at the vague answer.

“It’s something that the Emperor has requested of me,” General Yu said. “Just simple things like receiving information from our scouts—no need to worry, Lingjin.”

Yu Lingjin stared at General Yu, searching for any signs of deception. General Yu kept his gentle smile and after a moment, Yu Lingjin sighed in frustration. He turned and walked back towards the ladder.

General Yu really hadn’t deceived Yu Lingjin, but after a child has been lied to time and time again it’s difficult for them to believe what they are told so easily. General Yu understood this sentiment and turned to head out. Before he could take one step out his door, two figures collapsed in front of him. General Yu’s eyes widened and upon seeing their faces turned to Yu Lingjin and shouted: “Lingjin! Lingjin, call our doctor!”

Yu Lingjin floated down gracefully and ran over to see what happened. It was Shu Weian and Shu Ningan. Their faces were bloodied and their normally silky, cyan robes were torn, revealing the white under robe beneath that was dyed red. Yu Lingjin stared at your attendants, panic crawling up his throat, but he turned and ran, quickly searching for the doctor that resided at the Yu residence.

General Yu easily picked up the two and rushed into his study, setting them onto the bed that he usually used to nap. “Servants! Bring in a basin of water and some gauze!”

General Yu did not have the best medicinal abilities, but he was able to help the two from bleeding out before the doctor got there. And thank goodness he had the forethought.

Yu Lingjin rushed in, pulling the doctor along. “This is bad. General Liang and his men are searching for Shu Weian and Shu Ningan.”

“What could they possibly be searching for them for?” General Yu asked, stepping aside and letting the doctor see to the two lying lifelessly on the bed.

“General Liang claims he had gathered sufficient information to prove that the General had committed treason,” Yu Lingjin said, his face pale and his voice shaking. “General Yu, this is a bunch of lies. The General—sh-she wouldn’t—”

“I know she wouldn’t,” General Yu said, his face darkening. He slammed his fist onto the table, causing it to break cleanly in half. “That damned General Liang. Have you heard any other news?”

Yu Lingjin shook his head. “The General has been thrown into prison. General Liang is hunting down all of her trusted aids and locking them up. He gets rid of those he considers a threat and…”

His voice trailed off but his eyes were on the two that the doctor was anxiously hovering over. General Yu frowned, anger boiling in his chest.

“General Yu, where are you going?!” Yu Lingjin asked, grabbing onto General Yu’s wrist before he could leave.

“I’m going to ask that damn Liang guy what the hell he thinks he’s doing,” General Yu’s eyes burned with hatred and his pristine gentle mask had cracked. The usual General Yu was soft and he would never curse. Yu Lingjin shrunk back but his hand was still wrapped around General Yu’s wrist.

“You can’t. Don’t. General Liang is a mad man. He’ll drag you down too. All his evidence…they were surprisingly concrete,” Yu Lingjin said. He obviously didn’t believe in any of it, but if the evidence was this realistic, what could they do? They had even managed to capture a demon to confess.

“Slandering is one thing but this—this disgusting accusation,” General Yu pulled away from Yu Lingjin’s grip. “The General is a person with dignity. Even if people don’t believe it, her name is now smeared with mud.”

“As long as people don’t believe, it won’t matter,” Yu Lingjin said, desperately grasping General Yu again. “It will all pass. Do not act rashly right now, General Yu. If you do, the General will have no one of power to rely on.”

General Yu’s eyes flared. “Are you threatening me?”

I’m not,” Yu Lingjin shook his head. “I’m reasoning. General Yu—Master. Please. Listen to me just once.”

General Yu stared into Yu Lingjin’s eyes and for a moment the fire in his heart ceased. It wasn’t until someone ran by, smashing a gong and shouting that the general had been detained and all evidence pointed to guilty that General Yu’s anger flared again and he flipped his sleeve, transforming into a hawk and flying off.

“Master! Yu Shenmin!” Yu Lingjin shouted, his eyes rimmed red as he stumbled after the hawk to the front of the mansion. “Yu Shenmin come back! You can’t just leave! You can’t just…leave…me…”

Yu Lingjin slowly sank to the ground. It was hopeless. Heaven had allowed a wolf to get into their home and this wolf will never release its jaws until everyone had bled to death.

As Yu Lingjin cried, a pair of shoes came into his sight. At first, he was frightened, his sword gripping the handle, but then he saw the familiar fan and he looked up. Minghao gave him a sad smile before crouching down to his position. He held out a handkerchief and sighed as Yu Lingjin obediently wiped his own tears.

“You poor child,” Minghao mumbled, his hand patting Yu Lingjin’s head. “I understand your pain, but now is not the time to grieve.”

Yu Lingjin felt a chill. He hated how Lord Xu was speaking as if that had been the last time he would talk to General Yu. True to his quiet character, instead of yelling, Yu Lingjin lifted his head and asked “What do you mean?”

“General Liang is determined to wipe out all of the general’s confidents. I do not have anything related to the martial guards so I’m safe. But your residence needs to be evacuated. Quickly.”

“But if we leave—if we leave, won’t we be defectors?” Yu Lingjin asked, his voice shaking.

“You won’t,” Minghao assured him. He spoke with his mind so only Yu Lingjin could hear. “The Emperor is trying to find a way out of this. Do not worry, just take everyone and leave.”

Yu Lingjin could only stare at Minghao blankly. He was pulled up and shoved back into the Yu residence. Minghao turned and left. As he left, he could hear Yu Lingjin’s urgent voice echoing around, shouting at every servant and attendant and disciple to quickly pack up and evacuate. Minghao had given Yu Lingjin the location of the gate that was not guarded by General Liang’s people. He could only hope that Yu Lingjin would escape in time.

This blood bath would not be ignored by history. The historians of Heaven recorded every blood deed as it happened. They were not omnipotent, but no one would be able to touch them from where they sat or speak to them. They watched in despair as General Yu was brought down to his knees, a sharp sword pressed to his neck as he was forced to admit that he was in collusion with you. Punch after punch, kick after kick, it was only when General Yu couldn’t lift a finger that he helplessly nodded. He was thrown into the same prison cell as you.

Actually, the man with the gong had just been sent to provoke General Yu. Your trial hadn’t even happened yet but the result was as what the man with the gong said—you were guilty.

Still tied with the cord but now bloodied and beaten, you were pushed to the front of the gate. Your silky black hair, normally neatly pinned up, now cascaded around your shoulders. Your face was swollen and they had managed to crack several ribs and break your arm and leg. Since you were tied up with the cord, your abilities were suppressed and your advanced healing time was nonexistent. You could only glower at General Liang who stood triumphantly over you. General Yu laid beside you, tied up as well but in much worse shape than you.

“Look at you two—one was the great general of Yunming and the other was the martyr that spurned the Wei Empire’s victories. Now? You’re nothing but two traitors,” General Liang landed a heavy kick into General Yu’s side.

General Yu let out a dry, broken laugh. “Traitors? We’re traitors? What about you? Aren’t you afraid of retribution?”

General Liang’s eyes narrowed. He had to applaud this Yu Shenmin’s resilience. Anyone else and they would have blacked out by now. Since he hadn’t, General Liang could only force him to. He stepped on General Yu’s ribs and slowly exerted pressure. The man below him shouted but couldn’t even squirm. “Retribution? Me? Who is going to give me retribution? Your loyal dog?”

“Leave him alone!” you screamed. The guards who were under Liang and the ones who weren’t could only watch silently as they cringed and pursed their lips at the scene of the two beaten generals.

“Leave him alone?” General Liang smirked. “I’ll leave him alone. Once he’s on the road to Hell.”

You couldn’t have stopped it. Being tied into place and held back by another guard, you could only watch as General Yu was kicked into the abyss of swirling clouds.

“Aw, sweetie,” General Liang knelt down beside you. He pinched your chin and forced you to face him. “Don’t be so sad. You’re next.”

~~~

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