Yi oversees and comments on readers knowledge on cooking and produce value
Fluff/Wholesome
Posted on my Wattpad
"And then I leave it to dry, right?"
"Yes, you learn quickly."
I grinned as I looked at my first catch. Yi says it's a "Silver Carp" and it was indeed pretty, it shimmered when any light would hit it. It swung in the breeze as it was hanging from a thick thread right outside ShuanShuan's house. Speaking of who, he was right beside me, marveling at the fish too.
I found ShuanShuan weird at first. He wasn't a Solarian, but Yi has classified him as an "Ape-man". Clearly, he is still developing as he's so evidently younger and smaller than the other Ape-man around. I like ShuanShuan a lot, he's a cool kid and tends to speak a lot more wise words than Yi at times. I hope he returns the same sentiment.
I felt a tug on my sleeve. I turned back around to see Yi offering me something in a wooden bowl. It was pink and pebbled size...I believe Yi told me these were called, "Sakura roots".
"ShuanShuan wanted me to give you this."
I took a peek behind Yi to see ShuanShuan lowly giggling. I threw a smile the boy's way before I ate one. I walked behind Yi to see ShuanShuan clutching Yi's robe. I took one of the Sakura roots and offered it to him. He grins as he immediately chomped on it...not minding my hand.
"Now we have the fish here, what do we do with it now?"
"...Eat it?"
"Not yet, we cut it up."
"Oh, right!"
I get to doing just that under the watchful eyes of Yi. I cut the fish up into pieces with a dull blade, making quite the mess on the dining table. Yi's eyes seemed to narrow a bit. Crud! I made a mistake! But where did I make the mistake?! I'm cutting the meat in decent sizes, keeping the length and girth of it in check so-I winced as I realized my mistake halfway through.
"I should've separated the fat."
"You should've separated the fat."
I removed the blade from my hands and picked at the meat, removing the fat from the bones and meat. Yi did tell me to always get the fat so we can give it to the village elder...I'm not sure why we give it to her. Perhaps it holds some importance to the village.
The meat was now in one corner of the table and the fat was on the other. I looked to Yi for more guidance...however, he isn't saying anything. I nudged his shoulder, but he simply kept looking over the meat. He looked between me and the food. Oh! He wanted me to do.... something.
.......
......
Oh! I quickly got up and made my way to the corner of the house to the makeshift kitchen (a metal bowl propped up on two iron poles over a space where wood is placed) we have. I quickly filled it with a couple of logs and lit it up. I made my way outside with a decently sized bowl and made my way to a nearby well. I filled it a little, dumping some back into the well and made my way back to the house. I placed the bowl on the floor at the edge of the table. I used to the knife to scrub the meat into the bowl. When all of the meat was in the bowl, I poured all of the contents into the metal bowl.
I looked over to Yi to see him nodding his head in approval.
:D
He walked over to me and before I could blink, he placed his hand atop my head. My ears twitched at his touch before he ruffled them. I fought back a blush that threatened to come past my fur. We were like this for a while before Yi removed his hand and made his way to the door.
"Follow me."
I perked up at the order and made my way over to him. I followed him outside, well, not before he handed me a cloak and put a giant hat with a veil on his head. Slipping the cloak on, we made our way outside to the resource department of the village.
The village was bustling with ape-men. Their bodies didn't have lick of fur on them, unless if I were to count the white mane on top of the heads or the strands of fur appearing on their arms and legs. As we walked, I saw some of them kneeling down to a bizarre statue of a Solarian.
Yi told me the ape-man worship Solarian's but have never really seen a Solarian in person. He always has us wear something to hide our fur and fluffy ears atop our heads to not draw any attention to ourselves. Funnily enough, it has worked for the most part.
Bringing myself back to the present, I stood by Yi as he talked to an ape-man. They were offering a handful of seasonings. Yi looked over the seasonings for a second before he looked towards me-
"(Y/N), I want you to name all of these seasonings."
WHA?! But I probably don't even know what they are!
"These are seasonings I have told you about."
...He has to be a mind reader, there's no way....am I that easy to read or something?
Pushing my thoughts aside, I moved closer to the baskets situated on the ground. There were three of them. I looked to the one on the far left to see a bunch of flaky yellow powder. The one in the middle was a bright pink. The last one was a very dark brown, nearly bordering on black.
I looked to the ape-man.
"May I smell them?"
I didn't want to be rude and touch a huge stock with my bare hands. The ape-man didn't appear to have a problem with it as they threw a smile at me.
"Thank you."
I moved very close to the seasoning and began to sniff at them. My keen sense of smell hasn't failed me before, well, it has plenty of times, but it won't fail me now. For a good couple of seconds, I pondered.
"The first one is yeast, the second is sumac and the last is cloves."
I didn't look at Yi as I proclaimed my deduction. I hope I wasn't wrong all the way through. The ape-man and Yi didn't say anything for a second.
"Correct."
I must have obtained whiplash from how fast I moved to look at Yi. If he had a mouth, I bet he would be smiling with how his eyes are upturned. He excused us before he moved us away to a more secluded spot.
"What seasoning should we get for dinner?"
Yi looked at me as if he was peering into my very soul.... Is this an interrogation?
I thought back to the options, yeast, sumac and cloves. Which would be better paired with diced fish? I'm pretty sure they'll all be good paired up with fish, but I feel as though I am only allowed to pick one.
Yeast offers a more nutty but faint taste of sweetness.
Sumac offers a spicier with a hint of lemonade
Cloves offers a strong aroma with a bitter and sweet taste.
...Honestly, Yeast and Cloves almost sound alike. Perhaps it is a trick question, and he wanted me to pick sumac since it doesn't default to bitter or sweet? Personally, I would like to pick Sumac, but I can't say the same about Yi and ShuanShuan. Maybe I could select more than one and it is a trick quest-
"Don't overthink, just go with what is right."
But would 'right' be??
"Hm, how about this?"
Yi reached into his pocket to reveal of tiny sack. He opened it to reveal a pack of star anise.
"This here is a sack of Star Anise, if we were to trade this sack for any of those seasoning, which would we get the most out of?"
"Easy! That would be Sumac!"
I puffed out my cheeks in pride. Yi chuckled before he led us back to ape-man and traded the star anise for sumac. On the way back to the house, I couldn't help but think back to Yi and his question. Was there truly only one answer that whole time or was it a way to move things along?
________________________________________________________________________________
I laid down in my makeshift between ShuanShuan and Yi. ShuanShuan had managed to wiggle himself out of bed and into mine and Yi wasn't too far off. I was unable to fall asleep as I looked at the ceiling illuminated by the 'moon light'. I still couldn't grasp why Yi did that. Did he not trust me to make the right choice? Was I taking too long?
I fiddled with my paws as my nerves ate away at me. I heard a low hum beside me and looked over to see Yi glancing at me.
"You should be asleep."
"I know."
"Sleep, (Y/N)."
Finding some semblance of confidence-
"Yi, was there a correct answer for the seasoning? Was it a trick question?"
A thick silence overtook us before Yi let out a heavy sigh. He raised from his laying position to look down at me, his eyes furrowed.
"(Y/N)"
Oh crap!
"Do you like sumac?"
"Y-yes..."
"And what did we get at the resource center?"
"Sumac."
"Exactly."
He laid himself back down in his bed and presumably went back to sleep after a while.
.... Oh!
______Bonus_______
"Eh, well the villagers aren't cruel or anything, they'd gladly hand over the stuff without trade."
I listened to ShuanShuan as he explained that.... if they didn't need trade then why did Yi...? I would ask Yi himself but I'm too much of coward.
"ShuanShuan...may I ask for a favor?"
________________________________________________________________________________
"I'm guessing (Y/N) put you up to this?"
"Wha?! How'd you know?!"
"You weren't there" Yi deadpan
"Oh, right." ShuanShuan giggled as he messed with his hair.
"If you're so inclined. She should know the means of value and trade for future use. She should always be prepared for someone asking for something in return. I should get around to teaching you as well."
"?"
Yi sighs as he took a drag of his pipe for a second. He closed his eyes, enjoying the enlightened feeling that overcame him.
"Also." Yi opened his eyes before he looked towards the house where I peered through the crack in the door.
"She should learn how to confront her own shortcomings and improve instead of waiting on my call."
"Um, Yi?" He hummed, not taking his eyes off of his mystic nymph. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw a copper container with green sigils engraved in it. He fully looked over to see (y/n) looking down at the floor, avoiding his eyes. "I made a pipe vial, for your, uh pipe." Yi looked from the container to (y/n), "Thank you, I was just about to create another batch. "Yi gave a faint smile as he took the pipe vial and placed it on his desk. "Oh, um, you're welcome... I'm always around to help, Y-Yi." With that, (y/n) dashed out of his workspace.
Yi looked at the door for a second before he got back to optimizing on his mystic nymph.
(y/n) found themself speeding towards the Empyrean District where they sought out their best friend. It wasn't difficult to find her as she was playing her Hulusi (Chinese calabash flute) on the grand banquet floor, surrounded by plush pillows. "Nuwa...!" she perked up at the mention of her name, looking towards (y/n) before grinning.
"(y/n)! How have you been?!" Nuwa pat the pillow beside her eagerly. (y/n) made their way around all the pillows and took the pillow right beside her. "I'm doing as good as I can be. How about you? Where's Fuxi?" (y/n) looked towards Nuwa, a small smile on their face. Nuwa let out an aggressive sigh, "I'm doing alright. Fuxi has been busy these days, doing whatever with the council, New Kunlun, blah blah blah, and I'm left all alone!"
"...I'm her-"Fuwa threw herself on (y/n), all melodramatic, "Alone!" (y/n) laughed as they playfully pushed at her, "Hey, get off!" Fuwa giggles, holding onto (y/n) with glee.
"SO..." Nuwa began to nudge (y/n), a suggestive look on her face. "About Yi..." (y/n) blushed instantly at the mention of him, hiding their face in their hands. "What about h-him?" Fuwa grinned, "You know, did you confess to him? Did he reciprocate??"
"...I gave him a pipe vial a moment ago." Fuwa huffed, "Oh My Tao! (y/n), you have to come clean at some point! If I were you, I would have confessed a long time ago." (y/n) peaked from their hands, a confused look on their face, "How would you have done so? Have you ever confessed to someone?"
"Well duh, I have a lot of suitors lining up to be with me. I couldn't care less for them though. However, when I was really young, I had my eye on a peasant solarian. He didn't reciprocate though." Fuwa's expression soured, "And to make it worse, he tried to act civil about it and settled with being friends. I had the bastard fined a lot of yuan for his insolence!" Fuwa gripped her Hulusi in a vice grip."I even had to bribe some other scoundrel to appease my mother and her persistent raving!"
(y/n) didn't know if they should wallow in self-doubt of Yi reciprocating or be concerned for what Fuwa just declared. Thankfully, they didn't have to dwell on it as the grand banquet doors opened to reveal Fuxi in all his royal glory. Fuwa immediately perked up at the sight of her brother and had her pillow float over to him, bringing him into a hug. "Fuxi! Your back!" Fuxi let out a chuckle as he gave comforting rubs to her back, a small smile on his face before he noticed (y/n) sitting in the background. "Oh, hello (y/n), it's nice to see you again." Fuxi gave a close eyed smile to them.
"You too, Fuxi." If it were any other solarian, they'd have to address him as their majesty however, (y/n) didn't have to do no such thing as they're great friends with the two. "What brings you here? I can't see you performing for one of our grand performances." Fuwa chimed in, "They're here because they need help with something." Fuxi released Fuwa from his grip as he looked at (y/n), "help? what do you need help?" (y/n) froze as Fuwa grinned, "They want to confess to a guy but isn't sure how to do so they came to me asking for my brilliant assistance" Fuxi slowly nodded and tilted his head, "And who is it that you want to confess to exactly? Do I know him?" (y/n) tried to hide in their fur, hating being put on the spotlight.
"Weirdly enough its Yi." Fuxi eyes widened a bit at his sisters' words, before he moved over to (y/n), kneeling in front of them. "I see, would you like me to ask for you?" (y/n) immediately jumped at that, "no, no, no, that'll be too obvious! He'll probably figure it out!"
"Figure out what?" Fuxi and Nuwa tilted out their heads in confusion, "Because if you think he'll be able to guess you like him, then perhaps you think too highly of him." Fuwa spoke, "He may be smart in scientist matters but he clearly isn't keen on romance." Fuxi gave a chuckle. "Have you even given him any hints or gifted him anything remotely 'romantic'?" (y/n) shook their head, hiding their face in their hands. "I want to, I really do but...I don't know, I just wouldn't know what to say to him." Fuxi gave a sympathetic look, placing his hand on their shoulder, "You can't keep beating around the bush, you have to come clean to him. Even if he rejects you, you have to push on. We don't have as much time as we used to, and it'll be a great disservice to yourself if you leave this world with such a regret." Fuxi squeezed their shouler reassuringly, "please."
With that being said, Fuxi supplied (y/n) with a bouquet of Hibiscus flowers and Fuwa pulled (y/n) to the side, wanting to share words of wisdom, "If it doesn't go well, let me know, he won't see what hit him." to which (y/n) just slowly nodded. They certainly won't be doing that. Fuxi and Nuwa gave encouraging words (as encouraging as it can get) and bid their farewells, having duties to attend.
And that's how (y/n) found themselves outside of Yi's workspace again, biting at their lips. They tried to not grip the flowers too harshly from their clammy grip. Taking a deep breath, (y/n) opened the door slowly to find Yi working on something else, his mystic nymph floating around him. Taking a breath, they gently knocked on the door, alerting Yi of their presence.
"(y/n), it's good that you're here, can you pass me the power thriver on the floor?" He was messing around with his future A.I companion, Abacus. Putting down the bouquet of flowers and moved towards Yi, looking at the multiple components before finding the power thriver, handing it to him. "Thank you." Yi stayed focused on the task at hand, holding multiple wires in one hand and trying to apply to power thriver. "I can hold t-the wires for you."
"Then come closer." (y/n) immediately blushed before walking up to him and taking the wires from his hands. Yi muttered a thank you before using both of his hands to apply the power thriver, easing it into the slot it belongs and making triple sure it was in place properly. Getting that out of the way, Yi took a wire one at a time from (y/n)'s hands, placing all of them in their appropriate places.
Taking control of his mystic nymph, he had it run a once over the giant sphere. Once everything seemed in order, Yi turned to (y/n). "Did you need something?" Now that brought them from their little daydreaming as they remembered why they came here in the first place. "I couldn't help but notice the Hibiscus flowers. Did they need any attending? If so, I cannot provide much aid." (y/n) shook their head at his words and took the flowers into their hands, trying to not squeeze the life out of them.
"I....um, actually wanted to g-gift these to you, Yi."
"Oh. Thank you." Yi took the flowers into his grasp, looking them over. "This is a nice batch of flowers; it is much appreciated." (y/n) gave a little nod, gripping at the end of their clothing. "Is something the matter?"
"N-no. I wanted to ask you something, actually."
"Then ask away, I'm all ears." At that, Yi's ears twitched. Taking a deep breath, (y/n) looked anywhere but at him. "W-would you like t-to hang out? S-see the flowers and get some food?" Yi blinked. "I'll have to look at my schedule but sure. I'll let you know when I have free time." (y/n) blinked in turn. Did he get what they were beating around the bush about, or did he only see this as platonic?
"Um...Yi?" He hummed, "They meant it as a date! My Ta-", a voice interjected before they were swiftly silenced. Gaining whiplash, (y/n) and Yi looked towards the door to see Fuxi covering Nuwa's mouth. "...Pardon us!" With that, Fuxi immediately got out of dodge with Nuwa's bobble head in tow.
An awkward silence overcame the two as (y/n) really wished the floor would just consume them. They didn't even get to do it themself...although they'd rather not in all honesty. "A date. I wouldn't have guessed you felt such a way about me.", looking over towards Yi to see him looking up/down/at them with a raised fur-brow. "May I inquire as to why?"
"Well, you're really n-nice to me and cool and smart and unique...! Y-you stood up for me when Jiequan was being cruel to me. You'd t-take the time out of your day to educate me e-even when you had better things to do-"
"What about Fuxi?" (y/n) drew a blank at the question, not sure what to think of the question. "Fuxi? What about him?"
"Weren't you two together?"
...
"What...?! No! He's like a brother to me!" Yi put the flowers down on his desk, his back turned to (y/n) "I see...well that's a relief."
"...Huh?" (y/n) looked at Yi as he seemed to be mindlessly picking at the flowers. "So, about that date, I can make room for today and tomorrow, will that work?" (y/n) nodded their head, "Y-yeah! Any day works honestly!" Yi chuckled as he finally looked over at (y/n), his usually narrowed eyes being upturned, showcasing a smile from him.
"I'll see you later. We'll meet at dawn at the grand theater." With that Yi seemed to get back to work, putting the flowers away in a vase with water. (y/n) taking that as sign to leave did so...not before moving to him and giving a chaste kiss to his cheek.
Yi stood there for what felt like an eternity, before an unexpected voice filled the silence. "Your heart has reached unprecedent levels, master Yi. Should I run a pulse treatment?" Yi jumped as he looked towards his AI companion, Abacus. "You shouldn't be on!"
I managed to wiggle into the narrow slit of a ditch near a tree. It was a tight fit, but it was worth it as I made it towards Yi, almost falling on him but I fell to the ground beside him, dirt covering my clothes and fur. I scooted closer to him and looked around the dark and cramped space only illuminated by the crack I came through and the makeshift light Yi had.
"I'm guessing your other hiding spots were compromised. This one is definitely neat."
I giggled as I looked at the scroll in his grasp, looking over the contents but I never understood any of it. It had nothing to do with crops, farming, harvesting or other things we could use for our ordinary lives like cooking or sewing.
Yi swatted at me with a huff, "It appears I'll have to find another one. How'd you even find me in this one?" I giggled again as I looked to his makeshift light next to him, "Your light thing kept making my ears ring." I flexed my ears to emphasize my point.
He groaned in annoyance as he looked at the light, "I'll have to fix that." Before he looked at me, "And find a new spot." I grinned as I leaned my head on his shoulder "Your parents won't be too happy if they find you reading this stuff again."
"Like your any better. Your grandma probably won't be happy that you're sneaking off to see me." Yi looked at me with a smug look, "Well she's not as strict as your parents and won't go on a witch hunt for me." Yi looked away from me and back to his scroll.
"Besides, they wouldn't find out if you and Heng would stop ruining my hiding spots." He rolled his eyes as he focused on the scroll again, opting to try and tune me out. "If me and Heng can find you then your parents would probably find you as well." He shook his head, "They barely find me, it's always been you two." Both of our ears flexed as we heard oncoming footsteps, "Speaking of which-"
A shadow covered the little light that came from the slit as someone stood over it before a tiny body squeezed themselves through and fell right on top of me- "Ouch!", " Ah! Sorry, (y/n)!" Heng struggled to get off me before she made herself comfortable in front of me and Yi. She tried to brush off the dirt and grime that covered her, but it proved futile. "Bleh! It's so filthy! And it smells!", she exclaimed as she pinched her nose.
"You're more than welcome to leave." Yi mutters as he puts down one scroll and picks up another one. Heng puffed out her chest as she sat down in defiance. "I'm only leaving when both of you are leaving!", "Keep your voice down...!" Yi seethed as I laughed.
______________________________________________________________
"This hideout is your most elaborate yet!" I grinned as I looked around the spacious cave that housed structures and tools for Yi's usage. What caught my attention the most were the Primordial Roots attached to one machinery in the center of it all. "What'll this do?" I poked at the mechanisms before Yi pulled me away, "Be careful! This isn't too sturdy so too much prodding could prove dangerous!"
I hummed as I picked up a pen looking thing before Yi snatched it from my hands, "What's this?", "Its a voltage detector, not like you would understand what it does. Even if your grandpa made it in the first place", "Yeah, I wouldn't." I smiled as he placed it back down where it originally was before throwing me a stern look, "Can you please stop messing with my stuff?" I raised my hand in defeat. "Thank you."
He walked a couple feet down the table before he stopped in front of a stash of metal sheets. "What'll this be? Another fertilizer? Your parents won't be happy with that after the first time." Yi shook his head as he began to sort the sheets of metal before he pulled out a piece of paper that was messily colored in blue chalk with something colored over it, almost like a butterfly.
I held back a laugh as I looked it over, "Is that a makeshift blueprint?" Yi rolled his eyes, "Got to work with that you got. You know what a blueprint is but not a voltage detector is" Yi muttered the last part as he placed it on the table as he began to arrange the metal sheets. "I could get some blank blueprints from my grandpa's shed"
Yi shook his head, "I doubt he'll be willing to part with them.", "Well, he isn't around anymore to use them anyways. It'll be better to not let them collect dust."
Yi looked over at me, "How about we not. Besides, I'm fine with this." I hummed as I watched him work. It reminds me of when I would watch my grandpa work on tech stuff. He would even let me help here and there before grandma made him put it away. Any conversation on it was forbidden.
"..."
"..."
"...Yi?"
"Hmm?"
"Can I help?"
Yi looked at me with surprise, "Thats new...I suppose you can." I silently cheered to myself as he made room for me. For the next couple of hours, he would instruct me on what to do and even further educate me on tools and procedures.
I looked at the butterfly we spent a week making, or as Heng would call it, "Mystic Nymph." Speaking of, she was beside me, holding onto my arm as she marveled at it flying in circles. "Wow! It's so pretty! Can I keep it?!", "hehe, no." Yi gave a fake laugh before he took the Mystic Nymph into his hands gently and sat it down on the table.
"Aw! Why'd you do that? It was working just fine!" Heng puffed out her cheeks, "To the naked eye, yes, but its only in its first stages of completion. I still need to make it so it can work without me continuously having to charge it as it runs on limited power." Yi explains.
"Oooh..." Heng muttered as she released my arm and poked at it before Yi plucked her hand away, "Ow!", Heng exclaimed as she cradled her hand. Yi rolled his eyes as he pulled out a makeshift 'charging' station that he put the Mystic Nymph in and connected it to the charger compartment from the contraption that held the Primordial Roots.
"Within an hour, it should be back to full power." Yi looked towards me, "remember we can't have it going over an hour otherwise, it may mess up the Mystic Nymph's power core."
"Yeah, yeah, I know. It'll be a hassle to make another power core from scratch." I couldn't help but notice a spark from the corner of my eyes. I turned around to see a couple more sparks coming from the contraption holding the Primordial Roots. "Um...Yi?" Yi hummed, "I'm going to go on a hunch and say the contraption shouldn't be sparking like that.", "Like what-"
Before Yi could finish his sentence, the makeshift lab started blaring and flashing bright red as he deafening siren sounded. "What's happening?!" Heng's voice was nearly drowned out by the sirens. Yi immediately rushed towards the contraption and forced the front compartment open and pulled out a circuit board, still connect by weak wires. With the circuit board removed, the mother board, the center of it all, was revealed.
Without a moment to waste, Yi tinkered and messed with the mother board with urgency as he instructed me to take the circuit board. No matter how much Yi desperately tried to fix the machine, nothing seemed to improve and before I could react, a blinding white light engulphed us all.
______________________________________________________________
I laid on a stiff bed as I stared up a plain white ceiling. Everything hurt. My arms, chest, legs and the top of my head were bandaged heavily. Most of my wounds were stitched. If I strained my neck, I could see my grandma sitting beside me, trying to find a comfortable angle and position to hold my aching hand.
If I listened, I could hear her cursing under her breath. Who? I don't know but I can guess it was Yi and probably his parents too.
From my peripheral's, I could see my grandma's other hand make its way to my leg softly. I could hear her crying but it's not like I could muster the strength to comfort her...I doubt anything I could say would comfort her anyways.
...
I must've zoned out because now I hear nothing but yelling from multiple voices near the door. Straining my neck, I saw my grandma standing in the way of the door, with two taller figures in front of her. An all-out yelling match was going on between them...
"And you think your grandchild is so innocent?! Last I checked, their grandpa, your husband, indulged in forbidden tech! They're just at fault! A DISGRACE to the way of TAO!"
"Who're you to point fingers and shift the blame!? You think I am not aware that this took place in HIS lab?! What kind of parents are you to let him wonder off so much that he establishes a whole base of operation?!"
"And your any better?! Your grandchild was found in there with him and our other child!"
This ear grating pointless back and forth kept happening and I am completely powerless to shut them up. It wasn't long before nearby staff came and had to physically pull Yi's parents away.
"I don't want your disgrace of a child anywhere near my children!"
And with that, Grandma slammed the door. She didn't move for some time before she moved to lean on the door and slid down, crying to herself.
Over the next couple of weeks, I had gotten a lot better and unfortunately, since I could coherently communicate back to my grandma without pain, she didn't fail to give me a good verbal beating with hugs in between.
During my recovery, I could see Yi's parents going back and forth outside my door over the days before they stopped. Its more than likely they recovered faster than me. Their wounds probably weren't as bad as mine if they were already discharged.
Speaking of being discharged, I got discharged a couple of days later with specialized herbs as my prescription for pain.
My grandma didn't waste any time and the moment the front door was locked, she made a beeline for my grandpa's shed and made quick work of his tools. Ripping the blueprints and sketches, destroying makeshift tools and finished contraptions that had collected dust.
If it wasn't for the shed being near other households, I bet she would've burned it down.
On the coming days she would watch me like a hawk however, she couldn't stay up like I could. So, when it was night, I would sneak out and make my way Yi and Heng's residence.
I won't lie, it took a lot of effort to identify which window belonged to them and it was even more of a hassle to try and get their attention. Heng's room was on the second floor, so I climbed a tree, being mindful of my bandages and tried to get her attention. She was out like a light. Knowing I wouldn't win this fight, I left to find Yi.
It was much easier as he was on the first floor and to no one's surprise, he was awake, but he was huddled on his bed, head in his knees. I gently tapped at the window and saw his ears twitch before he raised his head and looked towards the window.
We looked at each other for the hottest second before he rushed off his bed and made his way to the window and unlatched it.
"Yi...!-"
He pulled me into a tight hug, nearly pulling me into his room but I caught my balance and wrapped my arms around him.
"You're alright."
"That I am."
Yi quickly helped me maneuver into his room with care as he finally noticed my bandages.... speaking of which, he didn't have a single scratch on him even though he was right there next to the blast with me.
"How come you don't have any wounds? I'm wrapped up like a mummy and yet your as pristine as ever." Yi looked at himself and looked at the ground. "About that, well, as Heng and Eigong-"
"I'm sorry who?"
"Eigong, she's a very important scientific figure." I shook my head, "I know who that is, my grandpa worked with her, but he never had any nice things to say about her." Yi shook his head this time, "Well, not everyone is going to like everyone."
"I suppose you're right...oh, you can continue." I situated myself on his bed, "Heng said the left half of my body was blown up that even my heart was exposed, and it stopped beating.", "WHAH!?" Yi quickly covered my mouth with his, "Shush...!"
I removed his hand from my face, "How did you even survive?", "I was getting to that part. Stop interrupting me, will you?", "Yeah, yeah." With how much Yi has been rolling his eyes, he'd probably get them lodged into his head, "Apparently, the Primordial Roots encased my body and kept me alive. The sirens and the explosion got attention of the locals, and they quickly got to work on stabilizing us."
"The Primordial Roots? I've never heard of them doing something like that before...........you must be special, Yi...!" I exclaimed with a muted voice. Yi shook his head, "There's bound to be a scientific reason for it somewhere.", "Whatever you say, Yi."
...
"Yi?"
"Yes?"
"We'll still be friends, right?"
Yi looked at me as he settled beside me. "Well, yeah, why would anything change?" I shrugged as I looked off into the distance, "I don't know. I just wanted to hear it from you that things would still be the same, well as much as it can be."
Heng smiled as she opened her arms for a hug and her brother reluctantly hugged back. "You've finally been recognized by the science people you've wanted to be a part of for so long." I gave a small smile as Yi hummed as he kept looking down at the ground, seemingly in thought, kicking at the dirt absentmindedly.
"We should celebrate for the occasion. I have some Sakura wine that has been sealed for a good year." Heng released her brother as she intertwined her hands, "I can also get us some Sato Rice wine with the money from my grandma's will."
...It's weird to finally be able to hang out with Yi and Heng without having to sneak around our parental figures and that's to do with how we're no longer kids anymore, we're young adults and we can do what we want for the most part much to the disappointment of our parental figures.
Yi was a lot more stubborn and not so... present. Heng was noticeably more down to earth and mellow... I don't think anything's really changed with me, although Heng would beg to differ.
...As a young adult, it's still weird to think how my grandma passed not too long ago and one of the first things I'm using it for is for wine, but it is for a special occasion and it's not like she'll be using it.
"This sounds nice and all, but I have to get back to work. I have a meeting with Eigong and Kuafu this night.", "Oh." Heng's little smile dimmed a bit. "When should we celebrate then?" I quipped, "...Some other time." Yi intertwined his hands, but they were hidden under his long sleeves.
"Can I get a date for when?"
"Soon."
"uh-huh...not even a single cup?"
"I'll have to pass. I can't go smelling like wine."
"yeah...."
"Ahem..." Heng butted in, "I hope the meeting goes well. Please tell Kuafu I say 'hi'." Yi simply gave a nod, not even looking us in the eyes as he bid his farewell and left. I shook my head in disapproval, he's always off doing work, work, work, never having any time to hang out with Heng or me.
"Say, (y/n), why don't me and you go out?"
"Why? It's not like we have any other special occasion."
"Well, I think every day is a special occasion. We should celebrate being fresh, youthful adults."
"...I suppose"
"That's the spirit."
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"(y/n)."
"Yi.....oh."
I stopped in my tracks as I took in the sight of Yi hunched over, dark blue and pink flowers surrounding him as he was looking intently at two graves in front of him.
"...I'm sorry for your loss."
"I could've done something to save them."
"Wha? There's nothing you could've done, Yi. Tianhuo will come for us all, inevitably so." With that, Yi looked back at me, "It won't. I and the other sols are working on a cure..."
He rose from his kneeling position, "We may not have the time to do so but I will MAKE the time. To save the Solarian race." Yi began to walk towards me, "But in order to preserve your life, I'll need you to come with me."
".... To where?"
"New Kunlun."
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"(y/n)? Is something wrong?"
"I, um. I don't know what to say, really."
"I'm going to go on a hunch and say it's about New Kunlun."
"...Huh?"
"Yi approached me about it not too long ago."
"And what was your answer?"
"I simply told him what he wants to hear." Heng took a seat next to me, "It seems to be getting to you. Would you like to share your grievances?" I shook my head, "What's there to talk about? We'll either die now or die later."
"That is true but ultimately, where you die is up to you, but our destination will always be the same, within the great Tao."
"Yeah, yeah. I just don't know what to do. I could either stay here on Penglai and die from the virus or I'll go on New Kunlun, shot into space and supposedly prolong my life for hundreds of years."
"Hm?"
"...But I don't want to die, and I don't want to leave Penglai. I may not have had the fondest memories here but it's still home."
"I understand."
"...Will you go on New Kunlun?"
"...Promise not to tell Yi?"
"Cross my heart and hope to die."
"I... I can't see my life ending anywhere else but on Penglai. It may be a slow and torturous death but it would be in the comfort of my home."
...That's an interesting mindset she has and frankly I'm lowkey concerned about it, but I suppose I see where she's coming from.
I still don't know what to think or do. New Kunlun is almost finished in production and every Solarian is ushering to get a space on New Kunlun. Only 100,000 Solarians are able to board and if you can't reserve a space for yourself with a brain scan, as Yi told me, there's nothing to be done.
_______________________________Staying on Penglai______________
It wasn't easy coming to this decision, but it was the one I made.
The virus destroying me from the inside out wasn't as painful as confronting Yi with my choice. Especially knowing that he kept two spots open on New Kunlun for me and Heng but ultimately, those two spots remain empty, wasted.
I don't blame him for calling us ignorant in the slightest, condemning ourselves to an early grave but I would prefer to not go on for hundreds of years as the virus would tear away at me. But it still hurt.
I wasn't expecting him to react as harshly as he did, even going as far as to denounce Heng as his sister and me as his friend. Saying, it would be better if he never acknowledged our existence than accept the fact we settled for an early grave.
I remember how I did nothing but cry and cry over it. Years of friendship, down the drain like that. Heng had it the worst but for a shorter period of time as she put herself back together and kept up crops and her house. Thankfully, she allowed me to live with her. If we're going to do, we'll die in each other's company.
________________________________Leaving for New Kunlun________
It wasn't easy coming to this decision, but it was the one I made.
Leaving Penglai for New Kunlun wasn't as bad as I thought. It was relatively comfortable for the most part...and when I say that I mean I spent most of the next hundreds of years in my vital sanctum.
As Yi explained to me, it was a dream world that would indulge me for the next hundreds of years as my body will be put into a hibernation of sorts, slowing down the Tianhuo virus.
Of course, I was told by Yi that I can wake up at any time to perhaps flex my muscles or even head down the Feng Twins department as that is the main living quarters for civilians like me, but Yi had my vital sanctum by his...as well as an empty one for Heng.
Speaking of Heng, when I could, I'd send messages to her, but I never got anything back. I came the conclusion that we were thousands of lightyears away, it would take hundreds of years for my message to reach her...but she didn't have that much time...Yi refused to engage with me whenever I brought her up and that stung even more.
I find myself lamenting that perhaps being there for Heng was the better choice as she was left behind on a planet that was dying, and we up and left her...granted, it was her choice to stay and my choice to leave but-
I'll spend hundreds of years reminiscing on what has happened and what could've been...well, if it wasn't for Yi's sudden death all those years ago...now I truly have no one...perhaps this is how Heng felt back on Penglai.
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