#threebreaths

[noblehcart]

@threebreaths

"- oh do let me take a guess. marcus has gotten himself into a situation again, hasn't he? "

he was dreadfully tired of cleaning up his brother's messes and yet here he was. taking marcus' call and upon hearing a distinctly unfamiliar voice he could only surmise a handful of options. when it wasn't buying the silences of his numerous partners, it was paying off officials and buying out various 'items' in order to get his notorius sibling out of trouble. it was damn lucky that they had a variety of incomes aside from their generational wealth because at this rate they would be bankrupt at the year's end.

he was very close to just leaving marcus to fend for himself- if he didn't have a heart that was.

unfortunately he dearly loved his little brother.

his last of kin and felt the ire flare up at the fact that he would be once again dragged into rescuing him. so he stood at the balcony of his penthouse overlooking london and held the phone tensely waiting to hear what nonsense his brother had gotten into.

"what has he done now, hm? something to your person? property? finances?" jaw ticked slightly as he thought over the possibilities. "wife or sister, perhaps?" he had been meaning to get his brother neutered eventually.

[malka-lisitsa]

“Explain  to  me  why  it  is  more  noble  to  kill  ten  thousand  men  in  battle  than  a  dozen  at  dinner.”

"Circumstance and context I'd imagine."

"A battlefield implies your own life was at stake. Ten at dinner implies you shot fish in a barrel."

[painofhumanity]

“Get angry about it.” - bullying the traumatized / to Morgan, maybe dream!Isen?

bullying the traumatized

"Oh, I'm already there." Morgan slugged Isen as hard as he could. "I've been there for a while." There wasn't much left in him besides the anger, at this point. It felt like it was a creature consuming him from the inside out. Isen had to know that already. Surely that was his plan, to break Morgan so thoroughly that he could then build him back up as some sort of pet he could use on his whim. And Morgan hated him for it. He hated Isen for keeping him from Yuki, for cutting and burning and breaking him over and over again, for showing him that no matter how much it hurt, he could never actually escape the pain, even in death. Hate and anger. It was all he had left. Well. Maybe not the only thing.

"You wanted the monster, right, Isen?" Morgan felt a change come over him; Yuki had tried to describe what he looked like when he got like this, but Morgan had a feeling nothing did it justice. Not if the looks on people's faces when they saw him were anything to go by. Yuki could never quite explain how dark Morgan's eyes became, or how the planes of his face shifted until he didn't look human any more. "You wanted the monster," Morgan repeated, relishing in the power he felt. "You got him."

[arealmunited]

@threebreaths

It was supposed to be a simple drop off, in and out with no problems, that’s what Yamamoto was told at the meeting.  He should have asked more questions, like why did they need someone of his skill to drop off a briefcase of information.  While the client didn’t say who he was giving the information to, just that Yamamoto would know once he saw them, he already knew that they had some power to them as soon as he saw the men in suits standing outside the hotel he understood why. 

There was just something about these men that put Yamamoto on edge, while he couldn’t place his finger on what it was, he knew that he shouldn’t let his guard down at any point during this transaction.

“Couldn’t make things easy for me,” he mumbled adjusting the sword that he had strapped on his back, Yamamoto made his way into the hotel.  Inside were a few more men in suits, though none of them stuck out to him as to who the drop off would be.  His grip tight on the briefcase, he took a seat in the far corner of the lobby as he continued to watch the room.

Out of the corner of his eye Yamamoto noticed that one of the men near the door was now on the phone, hopefully to contact the drop off.  

[feilien]

 "So there's more like me." He'd never really considered that possibility, if he was honest. Of course, it made complete and total sense now that he thought about it. Why would he be the only freak of nature there was? It was oddly comforting in a way, knowing he wasn't as alone as he thought he was. Even if it didn't actually help him in any way.  

 When he was handed the envelope, Long Zhi stared at it for a moment, then took the key out of the envelope. It still seemed far too generous, and he couldn't help but feel a ball of anxiety in the pit of his stomach. There was no doubt in his mind that the other shoe would drop eventually. But, for now, he'd enjoy not having to struggle to survive. "I've never been late in my life."

 He was just about to get up, when Isen inquired about questions. There were more questions floating around in his head than he could count, and there were even more things he wanted to say, each of them more snarky than the other. But Long Zhi had learned a long time ago when it was best to hold his tongue. And the worst thing he could probably do was to piss off his new boss right from the get go. 

 Perhaps this didn't have to be permanent. Perhaps he could stash away the majority of that money and, once he had enough, he could hightail it out of here and start from scratch somewhere else. Maybe even in another country. Sure, he had no ID and no passport, but he'd have to change his name anyway, so he might as well just buy both on a blackmarket somewhere.

 But all of that was completely out of reach for now. So he let out a sigh, and shook his head. "No. No questions." With that, he left.

He could see the questions rise and die on the tip of Long Zhi's tongue. Smart boy. Surely he knew this was his only option, and that refusal would just end in his long, miserable death. After all, if it weren't for his previous position as heir to Xiao Dan's throne, Long Zhi would simply be another person with lackluster abilities, nothing for Isen to take interest in. But he was useful in many ways, thanks to the old man, and it had become crucial that Isen be the one to sweep in when the opportunity rose.

"It is one I've prepared for. This isn't the first time I've trained someone with your capabilities," Isen said with a slight nod of agreement. Evidently it was that easy, as he watched defeat take over Long Zhi. It was a risk. And yet, wasn't it always? Someone with a lifetime of learned self control would easily take to Isen's teachings, despite his subject's clear reluctance to do so.

Still, he knew this wouldn't be like the rest. He knew he had to play his cards right to get the most out of Long Zhi himself, not just his ability. The thought almost brought a smile to Isen's face. It had been a long time since he'd been properly challenged.

From inside his suit jacket, Isen fished a small envelope, which he held out to Long Zhi. "This is your apartment location and number, as well as a key," he said, almost sounding bored. As though this were some run-of-the-mill part of negotiation. "Avenue 34, no more than a mile away. Remember that I value punctuality."

Now Isen took a calculated pause, deciding to extend a gesture of good faith -- treating Long Zhi as a person. "Do you have any questions?"

[thiefofcrows]

@soulfulempathy | CONT.

       The fingers of Kaz's right hand unfurled from where they'd curled into Yuki's shirt and, with a hint of uncertainty, he let Yuki's wrist go. At first, it almost felt like he'd put himself adrift in frigid harbor waters, shaky with how to keep himself afloat — but as Kaz pressed forward further, the depth of their kisses slowly and steadily growing quite heated, he found that he could latch onto Yuki's uneven breathing, the warmth of his mouth, the taste of him and use it as a lifeline just as well.

       He couldn't have hidden the way that discovery elicited a wave of relief to wash over him — and an aching twinge of love, appreciation and gratitude came along with it as Yuki sought to wrap his arms around Kaz's neck with such slow, mindful care. He was able to anticipate it all and keep the waters from rising, able to continuously remind himself that Yuki was alive and breathing and he was brimming with electric desire ... just as Kaz was.

       Slowly, he carefully curled his arms around Yuki's waist, one hand sliding palm up along his back, the gesture purely instinct at this point. All he could think about now was the desire to be impossibly closer, something he'd never before felt in his life. Eventually, however, they were forced to slow, forced to catch their breath, which for Kaz was coming out in small, trembling bursts. He didn't want to stop but at the same time, it was electrifying to hear and feel how it all was effecting Yuki as well.

       ❝You doing alright? ❞ Kas rasped, soft and low between them — Yuki seemed to be, given what Kaz could feel, but ... he couldn't help but ask anyway.

[soulfulempathy]

THE SUN | @soulfulempathy - an independent, selective blog for Yuki Hashikawa, a fandomless original character. A mercenary with empathic abilities, fighting to stay compassionate in wake of his goal: to seek justice for his slain family. Original lore-based world, mature themes present. Written by Lily. Paired with @threebreaths

[huyaoxiaozi]

what kind of herb are you?

Your Result:

Dandelion

You grew up too fast and all you know is the calluses on your fists and the thousand invisible scars that you pretend don't ache. Your anger burns so bright, so hot or maybe not at all, so deep you could never tell it was there. You are yours and you will defend that to the death after so many years of being ripped apart and denied your own agency and maybe you are still facing the bastards who stole your innocence but you will survive because that's the only thing you know how to do without breaking, the only thing you know besides protect, protect, protect, protect, yourself or sometimes those few others you claim as yours.

You are a thousand sharp edges but impenetrable, a traumatized child so covered by thorny armor that you promised yourself you're grown now, you're stronger than anyone who has ever hurt you. You're safe. Nothing will ever hurt you again. You're so alone though sometimes, in a world that sees you as too much or too broken or too angry or too hurt, and you want to scream with the too-much of it, prove that you're okay, that you're self-reliant, that you are strong enough to stake your claim on your body, on your mind, on your heart, on your people, and protect it from any who dare take it away from you.

You are the sea in tempest, a howling sky, a tsunami in motion, a force of nature, no matter how much you sometimes yearn to be still, to be safe, to be small. You are a dandelion, stubborn and determined to grow in the rockiest of soil, and bloom again in spring.

TAGGED BY: @tamedgod ❤️

TAGGING: @feilien, @jikoushi / @threebreaths ( since you got one for Yuki 😌 ) and anyone else who wants to!!

[tamedgod]

ay yo i just wanted to shout out lily's oc's @soulfulempathy / @threebreaths / @jikoushi; they're so well thought out and detailed and just!!! the amount of thought and effort and love put into them is so evident 🥺 i really can't recommend them enough, please check them out!!!!

[painofhumanity]

"Get up." /To Morgan or Miranda, I'll let you fill in the context lol

always accepting random things!

"Go to hell," Morgan groaned, making no move to get off the floor. His body felt like it was on fire; he'd never been so acutely aware of his body stitching itself back together before Isen's little experiments, but now. . .he could feel the nerves reconnecting. Morgan's body twitched while his wounds healed and he groaned again.

[feilien]

 Observe someone. He could do that. He'd done so many times before, that was something he was good at. But then the rest of the assignment followed, and Long Zhi could feel his stomach drop. Observing someone was easy, a skill he'd honed for many years now. But convincing someone to join was a whole different ball game entirely. Although fairly charming when he wanted to be, he'd never considered himself as very convincing. Especially when it wasn't something he was convinced of himself. Why would he want to convince someone to join an organisation he didn't even want to be a part of himself?

 Because you want Isen's approval.

 Letting out a sigh, Long Zhi stared at the folder, then slowly opened it to scan the contents. He considered his options, the implications of Isen's words, and just how monumental of a task this was. Finally, he lifted his head, though not his gaze. "But won't he see me coming one way or the other, if he can predict the future? Wouldn't it be easier to just try and take out the leader himself?" Cut off the snake's head, so to speak. Everything else would fall into place, and it would be easy to just scoop up the remnants. Very little convincing needed.

 "Wouldn't that be a win-win? You'd get rid of Jishaku, and have an easier time snatching up Nakama. I know you want him more as an asset than you want him dead."

Anytime he called Long Zhi into his office, there seemed to be an undercurrent of anxiousness, subdued behind a fairly convincing mask. As though he were expecting something, a lecture or even a punishment. He supposed he couldn't blame him -- Xiao Dan didn't exactly strike him as someone with the foresight to offer praise or a shred of respect to his men, regardless of Long Zhi's former position as heir. Isen had been the same way, once. Even so, it made things easier when the subject expected the bare minimum.

"Yes," he said, turning to face Long Zhi fully. "This will be a longer assignment. I need you to observe someone for me, someone I want to join the Blades. And when the opportunity comes, I need you to convince him...by any means necessary. Whether that be leverage you find or something more direct."

Now he crossed the room, where a file lay neatly on his desk. Isen handed it over. "His name is Shinsai Nakama, the lieutenant of The Ice Serpents -- they are destabilized since Takashi Jishaku took the place of his late father."

The image of Youichi Jishaku with a Isen's gun to his head came to mind. A leader was weak when a few threats, a short fight, could put him on his knees. It was disgraceful. But most of all, Isen blamed himself -- the solution to this particular thorn that had been in his side for decades had been right there, but the old man had been such a low priority...

"I don't intend to let the new leader catch his breath. However, both Nakama and Jishaku are Tensai -- making you the most qualified man for this job." Once the file was taken, he slid his hands into his pockets. "I warn you, this won't be easy. Nakama has the ability to predict the future. He's trained extensively, despite being blind, which is why I want you to take the time to learn his patterns and other weaknesses. You shouldn't underestimate him.

"If Nakama can't be convinced, I want you to eliminate him. Jishaku already has more power than I'm willing to allow."

[soulfulempathy]

𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐃 | 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐘

#soulfulempathy -- Independent & selective fandomless OC, est. January 2024. This blog is paired with @threebreaths and @jikoushi, where I play my other OCs, Isen Reiou and Takashi Jishaku. Please visit my Carrd below. Previously lostxtosunlight

home | ask | carrd | memes

[painofhumanity]

". . . The fact that I don't know, and you do, is all that's protecting you," Morgan growled. He forced himself up with a groan and had to blink quickly to clear his vision when it went spotty. Blood loss or exhaustion? He wasn't sure.

"'m up," he grunted. "Whaddya want, now?"

He told Isen he'd cooperate, but never once did he say that he would be pleasant. If that pissed the man off, well. . .he was already killing Morgan slowly.

Isen regarded Morgan with the kind of disapproval one would give a child throwing a tantrum. If the boy thought he held any leverage, Isen would already be dead. Everything hinged on the fact that he'd kept Yuki's location a secret to most everyone, save for a few servants who occasionally checked in. After all, why take the chance that Morgan would simply kill him and torture his way through each of his men to find his little boyfriend?

No, Yuki would wait until Isen had broken Morgan for good. He may claw at the walls of his damp, dark enclosure, wearing his fingers down to the bone. He may be too weak to move by now, with the occasional meal and just enough water to keep him breathing. Regardless, he was trapped until Isen decided otherwise.

"Tell me," he began, unwilling to even call Morgan by his name. "Where is Yuki now?"

[threebreaths]

THE BOSS | @threebreaths - an independent, selective blog for Isen Reiou, a fandomless original character. A ruthless villain with a hunger for power, a penchant for violence, and a strange desire to abandon his flight toward the sun — given the right circumstances. Original lore-based world, mature themes present (such as torture, murder, gore, etc). Written by Lily. Paired with @soulfulempathy

[threebreaths]

𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐃 | 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐒

#threebreaths -- Independent & selective fandomless OC, est. August 2024. This is an independent blog of an original character, originally created on @soulfulempathy. All credit for Isen and the other characters featured on this blog belongs to me. Please read Carrd before interacting!

Written by Lily, 27+ home | ask | carrd | memes

[soulfulempathy]

# SOULFULEMPATHY - Yuki Hashikawa, an independent original character, an empath, a broken man clinging to his compassion for dear life. Extensive original lore, a companion blog to @threebreaths. May contain triggering content. Est January 2024. Written by Lily. HOME | ASK | CARRD