Since I can't find any, I started writing a story where Amon is rescued during anteiku raid but loses an arm and continues to lose faith is ccg and his own righteousness while still working for them:
Red on white, the blood seeped into the snow. The last spasm shook the ghoul’s body before she stopped moving.
Amon waited a few more moments, eyes fixed for any sign of life. When he was sure she was dead, his shoulders slumped and he let out a sigh. It was always easier, in a way, when they didn’t talk. When they growled and snarled and went for his throat.
He rolled his arm, easing the tension, and looked around. It was possible she wasn’t alone, he needed to make sure everything was in order before making his way back. His gaze swept over the snow and bushes trampled during the fight. Amon frowned. Now that he could focus, it was weird how much the ghoul kept to one side of the clearing. Surely, it had given her no advantage to stay so rooted. Following the strange feeling in his gut, Amon crept towards the other side, scanning his surroundings. There, between the hawthorns, he saw regular indents in the snow, leading deeper into darkness.
The footprints were light, left in a hurry. Tiny.
“Good work!” Miyazawa patted him on the back. Amon was grateful he had already emptied his stomach in the bushes, because the touch and encouraging words made him want to vomit.
Hi! Could you please do hualian (together or separate) with a mortal s/o who has reincarnated? Thank you!!! (I don't normally do request like this so I'm kinda nervous)
Hey anon! I'm so sorry I'm only responding to you now. Thank you so much for waiting! I really like this prompt so I'll try my best. Hope you like it!
(I'll do a mix of both here. from personal pov to hc of them together)
I was listening to this playlist video on yt while writing
When Xie Lian saw you he couldn't believe it. He thought it was just some spirit messing with him. But no it was you. It was you.
Time stood still while flashbacks of memories and feelings you shared styarted flooding back in. From the joyous times where everything seemed right to the unbearable grief, rage and sorrow from your loss. By the time he'd recovered you had already disappeared into the crowd.
He wandered around for a while until he heard the voice of his beloved in the comunication array. "Dianxia where are you? Did you forget about our date in Yu Jun mountain for our 50th anniversary. I'm counting on your wonderfull cooking." "Ah yes San Lang I'm on my way!"
Xie Lian arrived and Hua Cheng was quick to greet him with a peck on the lips. A cheeky gesture that held an insurmountable of love. "Gege everything's ready and this tine I'll make sure we won't have any interruptions" "Hmm" Xie Lian was looking at the horizon deep in thought. "Gege are you alright? You seem distant. What happened today?"
"I saw them" xie lian blurted
"Who?" San Lang inquired
"Y/N san lang."
"..."
" I-I couldn't believe it myself either but- "
"No."
"What?"
"No, that's impossible they're dead" Hua chengs face was deadpanned. Showing no emotion "San Lang it's true I saw them today at the market"
"No gege they're dead I saw them die"
It was brutal and ice-cold. Xie Lian knew this was a touchy subject but he pressed on. "I think they've finally reincarnated" "..." "It's been so long since I've seen their face...seen those eyes-" "Dianxia I'm very sorry but it seems there is trouble in ghost city and it requires my presence. I'm terribly sorry but I must go. I'll meet you in puqi shrine." with that hua cheng disappeared. Xie Lian knew Hua cheng didn't need to go to ghost city, yin yu could basically manage ghost city without hua cheng for a year in the least. He'd seen it. Alas xie lian sighed and he knew hua cheng just needed space.
Hua Cheng didn't even try to find you. With his network already so spread out (yin yu) it was too easy to find out where you were.
You were there. Rigth there.
You were working in a lantern shop. Helping the owner preparing for the grand festival that celebrated the two deities of the village. Hua Cheng could only watch. Fighting the urge to come to you and hold you. To make sure you were real. It took too much of him when he lost you right in his arms. He wanted to protect you. So much so that you'd never leave like that ever again.
But he couldn't. He didn't move and just stared at you until the shop closed.
The walk back to puqi shrine felt longer than usual. With all his turmoil at least he knew with certainty that he could always find comfort in his beloved's arms. Xie Lian swallowed him in a hug as soon as Hua cheng laid down. "So how were they?" "Still has that same selflessness... they were helping the old Tao with the lanterns for tomorrow " "Do you want to meet them?" "I don't know" "I don't know either. To be honest I'm scared." hua cheng turned cupping xie lian's face "It will be alright. We've been through worse."
The day of the festival was hectic. You were filling in for old Tao's nephew that broke his leg two days before the festival and the customers were flooding the humble stall, the craftsmanship and ability of old Tao that translated to his lanterns was indeed mesmerizing. After things slowed down old Tao gave you time off to enjoy the rest of the festival. You went straight to the food stalls and grabbed some "chastity meatballs" you always found the name a bit odd but the tale was that the Scrap Immortal saved a family by offering the ghosts those meatballs and went to a quiet table to enjoy your treat.
After the meal, you got up but tripped on your robes and bumped into a man and spilled some liquor on them. They made quite a fuss and were very angry. As they prepared to strike you, you closed your eyes and prepared for impact. But it never came.
A strong hand pale as chalk was holding tightly onto the wrist of the man. A youth that had such a delicate physique was looking at the man like he was about to kill him.
"Is there a problem here?" Hua cheng inquired.
The look from his threatening gaze was enough to send the man running. As he was out of sight Hua cheng swiftly turned away and started walking. Until he felt a gentle tug on his sleeve "Hey gongzi wait up! I never got the chance to thank you. Can I offer you a meal to repay your act of bravery and kindness?"
The young man turned to you with a face of disgust. But his eyes were of melancholy and hurt.
"Hong'er?"
Hua Cheng breathed in sharply and held his breath. His pupils slightly shrunk. "Ah, I'm sorry I don't know why I called you by that name, forgive me. You do look quite familiar..."
The resurgence of memories foreign to you started flooding back into your mind at a rapid speed. The fog started clouding your mind and you started to lose your balance. But before you could fall you were enveloped by soft white fabric.
"San Lang let´s get them somewhere safe"
That was the last thing you heard before falling into slumber.
Alright! Time for some hc!
Ok so while you were sleeping you regained your memories of them. You saw everything happen before your eyes. How you met Xie Lian and Hong'er when the kingdom of Xianle was vast and prosperous. The memories you made with them. How you died in honger's arms in the war. Everything.
You woke up in a staw mat. The two faces you thought you'd never see again now are looking at you with worry.
Your eyes started to swell up with tears and pulled them both into your embrace while softly crying.
Xie lian closed his eyes and embraced you with so much strength to compensate for all the years filled with regrets and let out a deep sigh.
Hua cheng on the other hand hugged you reluctantly and buried his face on your shoulder, biting his trembling lip to keep himself under control.
He was the first to break the embrace and booked it into the woods. With you following behind for a while.
He stopped at a lake and turned to you.
"I'm sorry"
"For what?"
"For leaving you"
You got closer to hua cheng and just held him there.
"It's ok. I'm here now"
You both stayed there for a while. Sitting in front of the lake embracing each other. Hua cheng with his head on your chest and you carding your fingers through his hair. Xie Lian Joined you shortly.
Now! Obviously they put you up to speed on all the events that happened. And you were incredulous at the adventures and plots they uncovered. But you were glad everything turned out in the end.
Surprisingly, an activity you guys like to do together is fishing
Even though you and hua cheng had to "fish" xie lian out of the sea most of the times.
You help xie lian in collecting trash so you can sell it.
Dude. When I tell you sleeping with them is THE BEST THING
Take that info as you wish 😏
They would introduce you to their friends. Even yushi huang!
Becoming buddies with shi qingxuan was bound to happen.
Thankfully mnq although at the beginning skeptical, accepted you more then hua cheng for xie lian.
Travelling with them to other lands is so enjoyable.
Hua cheng likes to spook you with sneaky kisses on your neck
Giving gifts to each other bcs something reminded you of them is very frequent.
One day after xie lian came from working in the rice fields you were preparing dinner and he sneaked up behind you, covering your eyes "Now who from my two lovely husbands might this be?" you said playfully.
Xie lian's heart skipped a beat.
"It's me dear" he said pecking your cheek lovingly.
He then took your hand stroking it lovingly and and sliding a grass ring in your finger.
"I did that with a couple of grass I found. I know it's nothing compared to san lang's elaborate rings but-" he was interrupted with your kiss.
[And then, the faintest thought. He looks like me.
-
In the aftermatch of Niji and Yonji's capture Reiju reevaluates her relationship with her brothers. Takes place during Germa cover story]
Inspired by @sangerie theories/analyses about ichiji and all the sus things he does during wci, they're awesome :*
(hope this is better present than handsome judge pictures xd)
Stone wall wasn't the most comfortable place to sit, but moving away meant getting her eyes off the horizon. So Reiju stayed.
It’s funny how little it takes to lose sight of another person in the heat of battle. She could swear Yonji was just behind her, covering their retreat with his long-reach attacks. When clouds of smoke billowing from one of the ruined buildings surrounded them, she didn’t look back to see if he was still there. When she saw Ichiji on the other ship, she didn’t check if Niji managed to get on board.
If she was to be honest with herself, she wasn’t thinking about her other brothers in any way, too occupied worrying about whether Sanji and his crew escaped safely or not.
It was only when the fleet reunited that Reiju realized Ichiji assumed their younger brothers went with her. Father was furious, but it was hard to tell if his anger was directed more at two children who returned or the ones that didn’t.
It wasn’t important now. Now, Reiju was sitting in a crenel, cold stone sapping away her body heat. Ichiji on top of a crumbling merlon a few steps away. Father somewhere in the back, out of her field of vision. Silence weighted down on them but no one said a world ever since their lookout started, as if talking would force them to admit-
"They are not coming back."
Trust Ichiji to disregard any emotional tension. Reiju closed her eyes and leaned back, quietly grateful someone else voiced the thoughts plaguing her mind.
"All ships returned or were reported as destroyed," Ichiji continued. "Even if they were not captured, there is very little chance they can come back on their own."
Father grunted something under his breath. He barked at the two soldiers nearby to stand watch before addressing his children.
"Don't tell anyone Niji and Yonji are not back yet, we will deal with that later. Clean yourself before coming to the dining hall, it's unbecoming of royalty to look this disheveled. Don't bring even more shame to our name."
Reiju half-opened her eyes to watch him leave. The nerve of this man. Nothing we could do would give Germa more shame than it already proudly displays.
She threw the sea one last look and get up herself. She was about to reach the stairs when sudden voice stopped her in her tracks.
"Reiju?"
She looked over her shoulder at Ichiji, still sitting on the wall, his back turned away from her. "Yes?"
"Do you think they are dead?" come a monotone question. Reiju's mood soured even more. He could as well be talking about disappointing weather.
"I don't think so. They-" are probably being experimented on. Big Mom wants to know how to make something like us too much to kill them. That was what she intended to say. But then she looked at Ichiji again, his silhouette cutting out a dark shape against an orange sky. Lone shadow, soon to disappear when the sun finally sets down. And she hesitated. "They are strong."
Reiju waited for any indication he even heard her, but silence was the only response she got.
*
The situation at the table seemed almost surreal. They were being served at usual hour, in their usual places, with dishes planned for tonight on their plates. None of it masked the smell of smoke in the air or that the meal was clearly not as extravagant as it was supposed to be, even though cooks surely did what they could with inadequate supplies.
Behind her chair father, high above them, was unenthusiastically chewing on his food. Ichiji looked almost unbothered but she could see his head shifting every few minutes, eyes constantly drawn towards empty seats. Almost like a black hole, sucking in any attempts to create normal meal atmosphere.
She was getting tired of pretending.
"Father. What are we going to do about Niji and Yonji?"
The sudden quiet fell on them like a thick, heavy curtain.
"Father?"
"Nothing. At least for now."
Reiju gripped her utensils harder, slightly bending the spoon.
"May I ask why?"
"We just came back, the Charlotte family would expect us. We would gain nothing by charging in and we don't have enough soldiers to send them away from the kingdom. It's best to wait until their guard is down, then I will send the retrieval party."
Of course, what did she expect.
"If our numbers are an issue, maybe Ichiji and I could be of use? Smaller but stronger team could infiltrate and find our brothers with little problem. The two of us have enough manpower to save them and avoid any confrontation with pirates altogether."
"You clearly do not see the full picture, Reiju," Ichiji said in father's place. "We can not leave now either. We will be needed here to fill in for Niji and Yonji's responsibilities."
Father nodded at that, apparently intending to say the same thing.
Reiju ignored how tight her chest felt hearing this. She was almost surprised he spoke up at all instead of waiting and observing like usual. Still, she turned towards father. Ichiji wasn't the one she needed to convince.
"Wouldn't it be better for our image if we rescued them quickly? It would send a message, that anyone who plays havoc with us will get swift comeuppance."
Father, as impenetrable to criticism as always, disregarded her comment with a wave.
"We are not ready, I'm not going to waste resources on this. Besides, it could do us more good if enemy sees how invulnerable to pain and fear they are even when solely on their mercy."
Like you were during the wedding? Reijuthought, but kept to herself.
Logically, it made sense. Those were the words of a king and a scientist, clearly knowing the extent of damage his soldiers, his creations, could take before they would need to be scrapped. The bile come higher up her throat.
"I-" she started.
"It is a good intimidation tactic," Ichiji interrupted her. "If they are truly after our research then they will try to keep Yonji and Niji alive long enough to gain as much as possible from the experience. It should give us enough time to rebuild and regroup. There is no need to rush."
"Exactly," father said. "Ichiji, I trust you to take care of setting the course and dealing with any complications for today. Make sure to quell whispers among the staff, I don't need mass panic on my hands right now. I'm retiring for the evening; that was a long day."
Ichiji gave him a curt nod.
"As you wish, father."
He stood up and turned to her.
"After I relay the orders, I am going to call it a day too. I advise you do the same. Get some rest."
Soon both him and father left the room, leaving Reiju alone.
She looked down at her clenched fists, frustrated scream climbing up. But like always, she swallowed it down before it could reach her mouth.
Maybe I'll feel better after an hour-long shower. Or two.
*
Hot water didn't bring Reiju a peace of mind she was looking for. She emerged from the bathroom with a head only slightly less heavy than before.
Out of habit, Reiju reached for the curtains to close them shut and block the lights from Niji's rooms. He was always the last one to fall asleep and his castle had annoying habit of flanking hers.
She stopped halfway.
It wasn't that she missed them, exactly. How could you miss someone whose main enjoyment in life were violence and cruelty? How could you miss someone who only knew how to laugh at people's pain?
("They are getting so huge mom! Does that mean I won't be their big sister anymore?" Reiju said, Niji still refusing to let go of her finger, mumbling something in his sleep.
Mother smiled and caressed her head.
"Of course not sweetheart. You will always be their big sister, even if they grow taller."
"Taller than me?" Reiju asked.
"Taller than me!" mother laughed.
"Taller than dad?"
"Taller than all the doors!"
"Taller than the roof!" Reiju played along.
"They will be so big we will have to build a castle for each!
"And I'll still be the biggest sister!" she said with pride, her chest puffed.
"The biggest and the best sister in the entire world!" Mother touched their foreheads together. "Oh darling, they'll be so lucky to have you.")
One hand clutched on the fabric, Reiju felt the bitter laugh building up. Sometimes she wanted to curse mother, for placing this burden on her. For giving all her hopes and desperation to her eldest child, not thinking how much pain it's going to bring her.
But you can't curse the dead, can you? Not truly. Because every word she threw mother's way just seemed to fall back on Reiju anyway.
You failed them. They were yours to protect but the only thing you could think to do for them was dying with them. And you failed to do even that.
I tried! I tried to convince father! I tried to save them! If only Ichiji helped me-
How hypocritical. You were perfectly fine with letting them die earlier. You didn't even try to help, to warn them. How is that any different? Because you can't join them?
And that was it, wasn't it.
The tight feeling in her chest, threatening to choke her. Guilt.
Because she didn't die. Because they won't either, at least for now. No, instead they will be cut open and spread on the table like frogs, kept just alive enough for Big Mom and her children to learn how they work.
And then they'll die.
And she still won't.
And what then? She could vividly imagine father's disappointed face, looking down at what remained of his two perfect soldiers. Maybe he sighs and tells the staff to clean the mess. Maybe he scolds Ichiji for failing his mission. Maybe he even sheds a few tears at seeing his dream destroyed like that. Or maybe some spark appears in his eyes, he points at the blood and gore on the floor, says Take what's still usable and shuts himself in the labs. Maybe months later she sees next batch of soldiers with a familial jawline or flashing a self-assuring smirk that will make her heart clench.
Maybe Ichiji would care. Maybe he wouldn't. It's not like it changed anything.
Her reflection in the glass had red, puffed eyes and wet streak on its cheek.
How proud mother would be of you right now. Crying not because your brothers will die, but because you're left behind to deal with it.
Reiju reached for the handle and opened the window, letting cold night wind dry her tears and blow the thoughts away.
She looked down at the dark weaves below and suddenly felt unbearably tired.
Her hands, propelled at the windowsill, etched closer to the edge. Her body tilted over the threshold, mesmerized by the dance happening before her. Howling air and roaring sea filled her ears, two elements fighting for her attention. She closed her eyes and imagined how unnoticeable a single splash would be.
It could be over so easy...
(Blond hair kind smile gentle hands smelling like antiseptic and cigarettes I love you I love you I love you-)
I should go to sleep.
*
The moon disappeared behind the castle tower.
Reiju was staring at the darkness behind the window when the footsteps came. Slowly, not to appear startled, she turned her head.
Ichiji was standing in the doorway. Reiju wrinkled her nose. Didn’t even knock, of course.
“Good, you are not asleep. Get ready, we are leaving soon. Be in the strategy room in full gear, fifteen minutes should suffice. We have a job to do.” And before she could respond, he turned around and closed the door behind him.
Reiju rolled her eyes but started preparing. What did father came up with now? New mission so short after the humiliation at the hand of Big Mom Pirates? At this hour no less. The old fool probably wanted to cast an illusion that they weren’t affected by their loses. Or tried to catch any clients before their attempted alliance with pirates puts them on blacklists of most kingdoms associated with World Government.
Well, too little too late; judging by how excitingly Morgan had been taking photos of father's crying face, the news were bound to spread soon. This will only make them seem more desperate and all the more pathetic. Not that she had any energy or will to care about how others perceived this rotten mess of a kingdom.
Yonji probably would care, if only to please father-
She closed her eyes and banished him from her mind before the image of her youngest brother, talking excitedly about new experiment he was a witness of, could turn into a bloody figure pinning her under accusing stare.
Maybe at least this farce will get my thoughts off them.
Reiju run fingers through her hair and looked in the mirror. Standing in the cold did wonders for the puffed skin around her eyes, you could barely tell she was crying before. Her tears had evaporated, leaving behind only slightly sticky trails. She opened the faucet, quickly washed away remaining evidence and reached for the towel.
Dried up, she glanced at the mirror again. Vinsmoke Reiju, the first child of the royal family, the crown princess of the Germa kingdom, stared back at her. The oldest sister retreated behind the steel of her eyes, where she belonged.
She checked the clock. There was still a little time left.
The emptiness of corridors was more unnerving than she expected. Night was the time of rest but there should still be more soldiers around. She could hear the murmur of boilers from lower levels and the staff tiptoeing on carpets, off to finish their chores. Still, it was all too quiet.
Reiju shook her head and pushed the doors of the strategy room. She was met with another surprise, when the only figure greeting her was Ichiji again. Where was father?
Instead of explanation he just gave her a nod and gestured to follow.
She did. As she was supposed to. Reiju wished she could see Ichiji’s face but she settled on gluing her eyes to his back; something fishy was going on.
“What’s the mission?” she said, trying to sound as bored as possible. “You didn’t give me any details.”
“Our main objective is retrieving Yonji and Niji from the pirates.” -Reiju almost missed a step- “Our side objective is to destroy any of their assets if possible, as long as it does not interfere with the main goal.”
Reiju dismissed the terrified servant who almost bumped into them while rounding the corner and used resulting pause to collect herself.
“I see. It is an unusual hour for a takeoff though. Did father tell you this in person? I was under the impression he was against quick action. As were you,” she prodded.
Ichiji stayed silent for a few heartbeats.
“Father focuses his attention on more pressing issues. Our infrastructure, especially research areas, had taken a lot of damage. We also lost a lot of clones, which can not be replenished without functioning laboratories, so that obviously takes priority. However, I established that our defenses are in such state of disarray that some major changes need to be done imminently. Otherwise we will be left unprotected against even minor threats, which is unacceptable. As such, since I have been given certain freedom to handle other subjects, I deemed it necessary to move the rescue mission forward in time. We should be back by tomorrow noon if no complications arise.”
Reiju nodded, not missing that he didn’t actually confirmed what father knows.
Ichiji turned his head slightly, no doubt watching for her reaction now.
“I assumed, given your earlier arguments, that you would be onboard with this plan. But if you continue to dispute my decisions I will have to leave you behind.”
“I’m not disputing you, I agree that getting them back early will work in our favor. I was simply curious; father did make his stance quite clear after all. I was surprised he changed his mind this quickly.”
“Father trusts my judgment,” he said with flat tone.
“Does he now,” she responded.
And then, the faintest thought. He looks like me.
It was silly. Of course there were some similarities. Despite all the experiments and modifications the same blood was still running through their vines.
So why did it fell important?
Apparently satisfied with what he saw, Ichiji faced away from her again. Reiju shook her head, focusing back on the situation.
Ichiji was far from stupid, he had to know Judge wouldn’t approve of what he’s doing, even if her brother claimed he was just making important impromptu decision for the good of the kingdom. None of them could disregard father's orders, and going against his wishes like that…
But he didn’t forbade them from going, did he? It was Ichiji who said they can't leave right now; father only agreed with him. Kinda. Just vague enough to give them some wiggle room.
He said he’s not going to send anyone, not that nobody could go. Reiju looked back at their conversation. Did Ichiji plan for this? Is that why he didn’t push father harder, like she tried?
Had he already make his decision back then and was just waiting for the only person capable of stopping him to fall asleep?
But why? Why would he pretend before her? Why had he tried to make it seem like father’s decision?
Had he thought she wouldn’t agree to go with him otherwise?
What is your game? she thought. What do you have to gain?
It couldn't actually be about their defenses. True, they suffered heavy losses but it wasn't something two more people, even as dangerous as Yonji and Niji, could change.
She briefly entertained the thought of Ichiji trying to spare their brothers unnecessary pain. Reiju had to drag their exhausted bodies away from battlefield too many times to seriously consider it. There were no limits Ichiji would not go right past just to finish the mission.
There was no doubt in her mind that if Ichiji was the one captured he wouldn't expect to be rescued. If he had no regard for his own pain it was unlikely he would have any to spare for the rest of them.
Not valuing our lives seems to be the only thing we all have in common, she thought bitterly. Another great victory for the Kingdom of Germa 66.
Hadn't Sanji's botched wedding prove it? She sill remembered that moment with crystal clarity. Moves restricted by hard candy, guns to her head and the calm that came with the realization that this was it. All the evil of their bloodline contained in one place, destined to end right there and then.
The grating laughs of her brothers, unable to care uncaring about their oncoming deaths only validating her resolve to do nothing-
“Stop crying father, it’s pathetic,” half-remembered words rang in her ears. At the moment she took them as nothing more but another proof of Ichiji’s heartlessness, one even father was not except from. But wasn’t she thinking something of a sort too, back then? Reiju send Ichiji another curious look.
The mere idea of being anything like her brothers normally would make her sick. But if that meant Ichiji could be anything like her… If he… Could they have similar motivations right now?
The new spark of hope was carefully grabbed and stuffed deeper into her heart. Just deep enough to be protected when reality came back to extinguish it.
When she broke out of her thoughts they already reached the docking area. Few soldiers came rushing to their side.
“Prepare the ship. The smallest and fastest the better. And hurry, I do not have time for incompetence,” Ichiji said.
The closest soldier saluted.
“Yes my lord! How many units to prepare for departure?”
Her brother’s frown deepened. He looked back at her. In his usually inexpressive face she read the question, or warning, clear as day: Last call to stay if I can’t count on you.
She nodded.
“Princess Reiju and I will be going alone. Am I clear?” Ichiji snared.
The soldier saluted again and rushed to fulfill new orders.
Their ship was ready in the matter of minutes (for some reason it felt like hours).
After making sure the course was locked onto Toto Island, she found Ichiji leaning against the railing at the front of the ship, eyes fixed on the horizon.
Reiju felt the need to say something. She learned to crush urges like that a long time ago. Especially with Ichiji, who always seemed a little too aware of what she chose to share and what she didn’t.
And yet.
“We will get them back in time. They're going to be fine.”
“Of course. They're strong,” he responded, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Like the option of anything else was so unprobable it wasn’t even worth mulling over.
Reiju felt the corners of her lips twitch upwards, as if pulled by invisible strings, before she schooled her expression out of habit.
And she dared hope the similar movement she glanced on Ichiji’s face was more than just the trick of light.
An Undead Unluck fanfic. Also on Ao3 and squidgeworld
If harbour seal adopts sea otters, who's fault is it when it's time to say goodbye?
Summary:
There is a wrinkle in the corner of Shen's eye.
-
For most parents, the thought of outliving their kids is the worst nightmare. Feng suddenly realizes it might be his reality.
Notes:
This quick thing came to me months ago, now i guess it's canon divergence hah
Let's just say that the final fight got postponed, so everyone is older but they still has powers. Or that the powers stayed with them, but that's kind of a bummer
There is a wrinkle in the corner of Shen's eye.
It's a small thing, made from squinting and smiling, visible only because his whole face relaxed in anticipation for the kick, and it unnerves Feng enough that he actually misses. Shen moves out of the way, what was supposed to be a victory hit barely skimming him.
Old master grits his teeth and ducks, just in time to avoid the attack from behind. Mui's fist flies above his head, far too close, now focused on Shen. Feng crouches under her, catching the right leg. Switches weight between his feet and swipes, dragging her leg with him.
She slips away from his grasp, shrewd girl, using the momentum to enter high somersault. Mui bends herself, the kick so obvious it almost makes him cringe. He deflects, readying his fist and-
Ah.
Left elbow, hidden by her frame, bashes him in the jaw with a fleshy crunch. Few drops of saliva mixed with blood drip from his mouth.
Distraction helps Shen the most. He backflips a few meters from her and stops, one hand on the tiles. Mui doesn’t wait for him to catch his breath. Instead she dashes, her arm pulled back, aiming for his back. But before it reaches, Shen puts all his weight on the hand and kicks upwards. With the power stored in his bent knees, he strikes her in the stomach. She chokes out quick guttural gasp. Mui swirls around and slides back, putting some distance between herself and the other fighters.
Three pairs of eyes cross above the field, the labored breathing synchronized for a moment. Muscles tensing at the same time, ready for more-
The sound of the gong reverberates in the air, calling for a stop.
"Alright, you all, that's enough!"
Three heads snap in the same direction. Mei's standing there, with the mallet on her shoulder, foot tapping the ground and towels in her other arm. She points at the water clock next to a gong.
"The time's up already. You would have noticed if you weren't so bull-headed."
"Mind your tongue," Feng hisses.
Mei sighs and drops the mullet next to the instrument. "You've been at it for hours! The sun's coming down soon anyway, just give it a rest for today."
Feng looks at the horizon. There's still at least an hour of daylight left.
But Mui is already turning her back on them, stretching her arms with a pop. Shen follows her example, slowly working through the most exhausted parts of his body and the match is over like that. Without a victor once again.
Feng presses his lips together.
"What was that half-assed kick? Getting sloppy, are you, old man?" the boy mocks between breaths.
He doesn't respond to the obvious provocation. Not because he doesn't find it insulting. No, he doesn't respond for the same reason he missed.
The wrinkle distracts him.
It's nothing weird. The boy is, Feng suddenly remembers, soon to be thirty. It would be weird if he didn't have any at this point. It's easy to imagine him with crow's feet in five years or so, with how much he smiles.
Feng stands in place, forever twenty eight, and finds the dread pooling in his gut for the first time in years.
"By the way, there's something you should know." Shen leans away. He puts a hand at the back of his head and looks almost sheepish. "Mui will have to take it easier soon. Cut down on more demanding fights, rest longer, stuff like that."
"What? Why?" He sends quick look her way. An injury? No, he would have noticed. Sickness? Curse? Artifact?
He licks the blood from his lips. She showed such promise, she's way too young to be out of the game yet-
"Congrats shitty old man, you're going to be a shitty old grandpa!"
The confusion must be clear on his face, because Shen continues before he can collect himself enough to respond.
"Yeah, came out as kind of a shock to us too. Guess we weren't as careful as we thought." The boy smirks. "But really, it's hard to stay focused whens she does this-"
"Spare me," Feng finally finds the strength to speak. "I have no interest in your sex life."
"Alright grumpy. Anyway, we hadn't told the others yet. Mui's scared people would fuss over her too much. You know she doesn't like attention."
"Why are you telling me then?"
"Well, we knew you would throw a hissy fit if it turned out one of your favourite opponents suddenly had to take a break, so we're giving you an early warning."
Shen smiles again. The wrinkle disappears in the creases, but it will be there. Today, tomorrow, next year, joined by the others. How long will it take before this tree stops growing and starts withering? Whatever Shen thinks his silence means, his face softens.
“Well, I heard that people are usually better grandparents than parents. So you’re going to be okay, I think.”
Feng glances to his left. The two girls- the two women are chatting on the side.
Mui is drying herself, muscles glistening with sweat. Her stomach is flat, no sign yet of something new growing inside. She laughs at something, snorting. Scars, both old and new, adore her forearms, the map of years lived.
Mei is a scrawny little thing next to her sister-in-law, but it might be the first time Feng realizes how much she has grown. Maybe some part of him would always look at her and see tiny child wailing in her crib in the middle of the night. And yet, the baby fat and uncoordinated teen limbs are long gone. The woman before him has all the curves expected from an adult, her smile sharp and eyes crinkling in delight.
Mui notices his gaze and sends him another tired smirk. He scoffs in response, steps forward, reaches for the towel in Mei's hand.
And if his eyes keep searching for silver strands in their hair, it's his business and his alone.
I was wondering if I could request poly hualian and Shi Qingxuan x male!ghost!reader headcanons? Like the reader is super flirty and talkative but is also childish and affectionate?
Please and thank you :))
Ah of course!! This prompt sounds fun! Let me see...
Let's start right of the bat with you qingxuan being the chaotic duo and Xie lian and hua cheng are the ones with the leash () to tame you guys down.
Like when you two are drunk something will always catch on fire inevitably.
Paradise manor has been such a victim of your high jinks
Another of your favorite activities is to make your lovers blushhh :D
They are just adorable to see all fumbling for words cheeks rosy red so cuutee.
You don't want to be biased here but Hua cheng blushing and being embarrassed is by far the most adorable blessing to your eyes.
He's just so collected and calm that you make it your goal to get him to blush.
You try the best pick-up lines you got. You bring your A-game. But nothing works.
Until one day when he is getting ready to go to the gambler's den and he's wearing something different.
He usually goes for red but today he decided to wear a black robe with grey undertones and silver details.
He looked so regal and breathtaking you just had to
"Wow. You look...beautiful."
This threw him completely off his game. All he could do was look down and cover his already reddening face with his sleeve trying to salvage his last ounce of composure as he muttered a "thanks" behind his sleeve.
On another topic when the cold winter arrives it is mandatory for you all to be together under a biiiigggg blanket you and qingxuan made. all bundled up and cozy.
Yes, you and hua cheng don't really need to sleep but you indulge yourselves by just closing your eyes and relaxing in this comforting moment.
You help xie lian in the kitchen bcs god forbid qingxuan and xie lian in the kitchen alone together. it's recipe for disaster.
while you and hua cheng are basically masterchefs keeping your malewives well fed.
when you are making the dough for bao you spank the dough while looking straight at Xie lian's eyes and see him blushing uncontrollably and turning away,not being able to look at you.
Your day-to-day lives really consist of sqx and xl doing their daily activities like going to work on construction or go to the heavenly capital on occasion to deal with some businesses.
you and hua cheng on the other hand survey your own dominions. But you stay more at puqi shrine than him since you have more freedom with your territory.
Hua cheng is the one who is out the most. but it's never too long.
One of the greatest pleasures you experience is waking up after a steamy night (especially during the mount tonglu period) and just gazing at your lovers faces. Tucking a strand of qingxuan's hair behind his ear, caressing xie lians soft thighs, peppering hua cheng's face with kisses.
Sometimes you get into a contemplation daze where you just can't believe how you got to feel so much love. The world has never been kind to you, letting you experience some of the worst experiences of your past life but somehow you found your place and managed to receive an amount of love you thought you'd never deserve.
A cold hand reaching your face and wiping a tear you didn't realize you shed gently called out to you
[I.D.: Drawing of Usopp and Vinsmoke Niji from One Piece. They're both seen from the side, circling around each other, Usopp is aiming his slingshot and Niji is brandishing an electrified sword. Usopp wears sniper king mask, red cape, green pants, brown shoes and blue-white arm warmers. Niji wears black cape with blue '2' on it, blue costiume and yellow-blue boots, he's smirking. /End I.D.]
Vinsmoke shipping week day 4: Red string / Hero x Villain
The neferious Germa group is terrorizing the streets, but fear not, because the great Sniper King is here to save you!
Strawhats are semi-superhero team. Luffy doesn't care about crime, it just happens that bad guys usually target his friends for some reason. Nami somehow convinced him to at least cover his face when they beat up guys on live television.
Niji gets a crush on two people at once and tries to deal with it in completly normal matter - by proving they're actually the same person (he's right).
⬇️Fanfic under readmore⬇️ also on Ao3
Niji carefully pinned the photo next to the others. He frowned, adjusted two more to fit the rest better and stepped back to admire his work. Photos, bus schedules, discarded papers, shard broken off the Sniper King mask, piece of fabric - all gathered together. There was just one thing to do and his board would be complete. He grinned, pulled out a ball of red yarn and began connecting the pins until they formed one massive web of evidence. And like a spider ready for dinner, he finally found that one fly that was pulling at its strings, and come to the single possible conclusion.
"And why, pray tell, do you think one of your regular customers is part of the superhero team? The one that always thwarts father's plans no less?"
"Don't you see?" Niji slammed the board. "It's all here!"
"All I see is an, admittingly ambitious, art project made of coincidences and stalking tendencies."
"Listen, it's too much to just be a coincidence, at this point it's proof."
Ichiji sighed and closed the book he was reading.
"Fine, lets indulge you. What proof?"
"First of, they drink the same coffee - both take exactly two sugar cubes, one puff of cream and two pumps of caramel syrup."
"Why do you know how Sniper King takes his coffee?"
Niji looked at him like he was stupid
"Because I asked him? He's my nemesis, I need to know those things."
"Your nemesis?" Ichiji stuttered. "Since when??"
"About two months ago; we were picking them, don't you remember? You took the witch."
Ichiji tapped his fingers on the table. That didn't sound right, he was sure if something like this happened he would have remembered. If they did it there must have been a purpose, but what? Battle strategies? Did father know? Was Ichiji supposed to tell him? And he picked the Weather Witch? What on earth could Niji be talking about-
Suddenly very tired, Ichiji put his hand on his face and slowly pulled it down.
"Niji. We played 'Fuck, Marry, Kill' about the Strawhats. How did this turn into nemesis thing?"
"Ain't that the same thing? Anyway, we're getting off track." He pointed at the blurry photo of a dark alleyway. "See?"
"See what?"
"Argh, do I have to do everything here? Look, here, it's Sniper's cape!"
Ichiji leaned forward and squinted. True, in the left corner, near the bins, there was something that could be a fragment of red fabric. Or an unlucky rat.
"I followed Usopp one evening and I lost him somewhere here," his finger followed one of the red lines until it reached a cutout of city's map, with big circle drawn in the middle of it. "But I'm sure he didn't walk much further, because he was carrying four of those babies." He tapped on the stock picture of an ice-cream package. "There were other shops on his way and he only stopped to buy them here." Next map had a red cross slapped on it. "Which means he was probably coming closer to home. Other stores in the neighborhood are over there, there, there and there. Since he didn't visit those, he must live somewhere before the road could reach any of them, or he would have just buy ice-cream there."
Niji looked at his brother expectantly. "See now?"
Ichiji blinked a few times. That was impressive recon work, and he could probably agree with him... If he knew what point he was even trying to make.
"So... you think the coffee guy lives somewhere between these streets." He pointed at the marked portion of the map. "But what does it have to do with your theory?"
"Everything! I just showed you, I found a piece of Sniper's cape next to the houses there, it's evidence!"
Ichiji massaged his temples and counted to ten. Did he have to do this? He could just leave. Maybe call Yonji so Niji could bother someone else.
But then, a voice in his head said, you have no excuse if father suddenly decides he wants an audience to hear about another freaking death ray.
If he had to listen to his family's ramblings...
"It's just red fabric, it doesn't necessary mean anything. Plus, your guy could be going to his friends house, or a party. Four boxes of ice-cream is a lot for one person."
Niji waved him away.
"Oh no, I know Usopp will eat it. He once told me he can do even five if he puts his mind to it. Calls it his 'depression repression' meal. And!" He pulled a clipped cloth Ichiji failed to notice before. "Sniper doesn't use any shabby materials! His cape is waterproof, fireproof, really hard to rip and can even withstand acid for a while. And guess what? This piece I took from the alley is exactly that!"
Ichiji sincerely hated that he actually started to consider this. "Still, you can't be sure. A lot of people live there. Plus, if I was trying to hide my identity, I wouldn't throw damming evidence with my garbage. It's more likely, if it even is the same material, that it was thrown there by somebody passing by."
Niji sneered, annoyed that the argument actually made sense.
"We all are hiding our identity; why 'if'?"
"Father's hightech company is one letter away from just spelling his evil codename, we lost a member around the same time Sanji, very publicly, left the family and we barely cover our faces when we go out. Are we hiding our identities?"
"It's different, we're rich. We can do whatever we want and so one will accuse us."
"That just proves my point. I doubt Sniper can afford being find out, so he's probably more cautious handling his leftovers."
"Maybe he's rich too, you don't know that. I mean, he's not since I know it's Usopp, but. Well. Doesn't matter, because I have even more evidence!"
He gestured at another portion of the board, with two papers on it. One seemed to be a photo of Sniper taken in the middle of battle, even more unfocused than the others. The other was a printed selfie of darkskinned guy around 20 years old, with long curly hair and wide smile. But the first thing that caught attention was his- Oh no.
"As you can see," Niji gloated, "they have the same nose!"
Ichiji slammed his forehead on the table.
The twin bang could be heard across the city, in an unkempt apartment (that on paper was shared by five people, which really downplayed how many actually passed by it).
"For the last time Usopp, your favourite barista is not Dengeki Blue just because the hair match!
[I.D.: Drawing of Sabo, Koala and Vinsmoke Ichiji from One Piece inside a wooden shack, framed like a photo. Also a random guy I made up just for this: he has short hair, is tied with rope to the ceiling and has wide-open eyes. He's not important.
Koala is in the front, she's grinning with closed eyes and posing her right hand in victory sign. Her left hand and legs are out of frame, she's the one making the photo. She's wearing pink shirt with white frills and her bordo hat with goggles.
Yonji is behind her, crouched down with his face in his hands. He,s wearing white t-shirt and brown trousers.
Sabo is on the left, making thumbs up in front of the tied guy, part of his right leg is out of frame. He has wide smile, left side of his face is covered in scar tissue. He's wearing grey boots, blue shirt with white cravat, light blue pants and black coat. On the floor next to him lays empty bucket, water spilling out of it. /End I.D.]
Vinsmoke shipping week day 2: First date / Detective x Criminal
Say cheese!
Does going on a mission and waterboarding a guy for informations count as first date? I say yes. Turns out being an evil mercenary for most of your life doesn't necesssery prepare you to the kind of stuff revolutionaries do. Well, people learn all their life!
🔽Fic under readmore🔽 also on Ao3
"Everyone, say cheese!"
Koala, unconcerned that only Sabo followed her instruction, lifted the camera higher and put her hand in victory sign, smiling widely. Careful not to drop it, she pushed the button and a few seconds later the polaroid came out. She took it to fully appreciate the mess before her, forever immortalized on film.
Sabo was smiling from ear to ear and putting both his thumbs up, not caring that spilled water was pulling under his boots. In contrast, Yonji crouched down, put his head in hands and looked like he would prefer to be anywhere else.
The captured guard dangling from the ceiling looked mostly confused, if a little less fearful for his life. Well, that'll need to be corrected.
"Let me seeeee," Sabo whined next to her ear. Still smiling, she pushed his head away without any remorse.
"It's mine now, get your own."
"Oh came on, it's not fair! I lost my camera at the base, you know that!"
"I found it and put it on your desk."
His head snapped. "What? Where?!"
"Next to the paperwork from last week." At his blank stare she added: "You know, the one you were supposed to look over and check if everything's alright before we left two days ago?"
Too late to avoid the trap, Sabo did the only smart thing and changed the subject.
"Man, who's the real red one in your family, your brother or you? Maybe we should call you tomato instead of onion." He left her side and picked up now-empty bucket. "It's been a while since I've seen someone fumble interrogation this badly. Isn't a member of the 'legendary mercenary army' supposed be professional in this things?"
Yonji raised his head, his cheeks blooming red.
"I thought when you're waterboarding someone you lift the water up, not pull the guy down. That's why I used stronger knot here." He pointed at the hook the rope was connected to. "How was I supposed to know it's the other way around!"
"Oh, I was wondering about that," Koala interjected. "Weird way to tie it."
"Why didn't you say anything?" he groaned.
She shrugged. "I thought it was some weird Germa way. People learn all their life."
"Well, I just thought it was funny," said Sabo, before focusing on Yonji again. "Wait, with all the war crimes* under your belt, you never waterboarded anyone before?"
Yonji cringed and sunk his head.
"We weren't tasked with capturing people that often, much less interrogate them. Our employers usually wanted to do that themselves. Confident information and all that," he mumbled from behind his hands. He curled further, which was honestly impressive considering his size. Like a mastiff trying to fit inside the cat basket. She reached her hand to pat his hair.
"There there, it wasn't that bad for the first time."
"We won't tell a soul, promise," Sabo lied. "But I can't talk for this one." He gripped the rope and grinned at their guest. "Are you a talker, sir?"
The prisoner gulped at being in the spotlight again and furiously shook his head.
"No? Oh my, that's so unlucky! If you were a talker, this could go a lot faster," Sabo pouted. "As you can see, my friend over there spilled all the water for you. Which means one of two things; either you'll make it easier for all of us and answer a few questions, or-" He sighed dramatically. "We will have to improvise with what we got. And it's going to be bloody shame if you don't last to the end of it." He flashed him a wide smile with way too much teeth.
Fascinating, Koala thought. I didn't know you can lose all the blood in your face while hanging upside down.
-
Koala plopped on the bench between her boys, handing each an ice-cream cone.
Yonji took his and stared at it for a while before turning to smile at them.
"Is this what you guys usually do on missions? I could get used to it."
Koala scratched her neck. "Well, not exactly usually, but sometimes it goes like that. It's a lot less threatening and a lot more running and sneaking around on most days. With occasional explosion or two." She side-eyed Sabo, who looked annoyingly unrepentant.
"Since it's the first time you were going with us, we picked something more up your line." Sabo licked his ice-cream. "Of course, if we knew how much you'll screw it up, we would have given you something different to fuck."
Koala whacked him in the back of the head.
"We agreed not to talk about this anymore! You made fun of him enough already!" She looked back at Yonji. "And why are you blushing!"
"You really are a tomato!"
"Argh, I swear..." Koala huffed and went back to her food. "Why do I even bother."
This just get her twin snickers from the sides. She rolled her eyes but smiled. It went well all things considered. Their captive's tongue seemed to loosen a lot once he realized that everyone in the room was clinically insane, which she was more than happy to contribute to, so the mission went smoothly afterwards.
"One thing i don't understand," she broke the silence. "Why did that guy want your autograph? You don't even have a wanted poster."
"Oh, it's probably because my family is technically main villains of a surprisingly popular vintage comic strip from North Blue. I'm the green one."
Koala nodded.
"Yeah, that makes- You're WHAT?!"
*I apologize for insinuating One Piece world has anything like Geneva convention. It does not.
You ask and I deliver! I'm so happy everyone is enjoying the Mu Qing hc, so let's start:
Mu Qing would notice the littlest things about you.
From how you style your hair, how you prepare your coffee/tea, what you put first in the bowl if it's the cereals or the milk to the little gestures you do when you're nervous.
He just loves your little mannerisms so much. He finds them endearing.
Even the way every week you organize your books in a different system
He would notice how you sometimes forget to take care of yourself properly so he would help.
If you are a very busy person in the morning and forget to eat breakfast he'd prepare it for you to take away with a sticky note saying: "Don't forget to eat dummy"
When you first introduced him to MBTI he was really confused.
And when you explained the concept to him he low-key thought it would be another zodiac thing.
Which made you really pissed
So you made him do the test.
(And during the test he was a bit bored ngl)
It gave him ISTJ
At first, he was confused but as he read his results he was starting to doubt his convictions and so he became interested in mbti's
Cue you sending him a shitton of mbti memes 24/7
And whenever he saw a meme roasting your mbti he would def sending you
You would def make him dress up as your mbti for Halloween
But he wouldn't mind
Because if it made you smile he would do anything for you
When it comes to communication in a relationship, he can get a bit shy and insecure, so there will be times when he won't say wants to say. But if you talk to him and show him that you can give him a safe space to express his feelings he will become more confident and it will show.
OH! I totally feel like mu qing is the type to avoid you when he realizes his feelings for you (pre-relationship)
If you were close friends before and this starts happening it can be very hurtful.
You try to corner him but to no avail, he just gives a half-assed excuse and weasels his way away from you again.
It takes Xie Lian, Feng Xin, and even a tiny roast from Hua Cheng to make him apologize and confess to you
"Mu Qing you should be honest about your feelings, it's clear that they like you too!"
"Yeah bro you need to go head in and do it, it's been too long and now that you decided to very obviously distance yourself they've kinda been upset these past few days"
"Only a pussy bitch boy wouldn't admit their feelings and just confess instead of causing mindless hurt to both parties, isn't that right Mu Qing?"
"San lang..."
Yes that was basically the last drop for Mu Qing and he decides to drive up to your place
(cliché warning: I'm about to be so corny on this one I hope you can forgive me)
It started pouring rain and Mu Qing cursed himself for not doing this sooner and just being a blatant coward.
When he reached your driveway he calls your phone
"Hey, why are you-"
"Come outside"
"Mu Qing it's raining"
"I don't care just come outside, I want to take you somewhere"
"Fine. Give me a minute"
You basically leave in your pajamas and go on a late-night drive with Mu Qing.
He obviously gives you the aux cord bcs he likes your taste in music
You guys drive for a bit until he stops at a place with a nice skyline
You guys stay silent until he turns the engine off.
Mu Qing sighs to himself as you look at him expectantly
"Look Y/n I'm sorry. I have been a first-class dick these past few days and I really didn't want to hurt you by doing it but...it's just that... " he stops.
The words he wants to say can't get out of his mouth it's stuck in his throat until he feels your hand on top of his giving him an encouraging nod
It's incredible how you make him feel like he can conquer the world without uttering a single word really.
"I have feelings for you y/n. I never felt like this before. I feel like I don't deserve to feel like this, I feel like I don't deserve you in my life because I can't treat you like you should be treated. You've been here for me through thick and thin and I would do anything for you. But I am honestly feeling very fucking scared for what it might happen next."
You stay quiet trying to process all of the information you were just told. It was a lot to take in. Until you broke the agonising silence.
"I like you too Mu qing. I always have" you said with a beaming smile
"And yes you were being a total asshat, I was so confused. I thought you were upset that I ate the last chocolate pudding in your fridge"
"SO IT WAS YOU?? I THOUGHT I WAS FENG XIN! I MADE HIM BUY ME 4 MORE"
You two broke in silly laughter and when you opened your eyes you saw mu qing really close to your face.
He was looking at your eyes with such adoration that it was hard to maintain eye contact with those grey eyes.
He momentarily looked at your lips and his Adam's apple bobbed
He looks back at your eyes again moving closer. Your lips almost touching
