[ectology]

hair tie: a stsg comic about keeping random items from your childhood

[hualians]

we’re the strongest.

[kiwiipiip]

🐙

[just-joeja]

That meme but different

[owarinaki]

Endeavor /Todoroki Enji

By Horokoshi Kouhei

[umamimia]

One fateful night

Shouto couldn’t tell if his face was wet from the pouring rain, or cold sweat streaming down his skin. His ragged clothes stuck to his skeletal frame like a soft sheet of ice, teeth rattling as the chill soaked through his bones.

If Shouto were human, he would have perished to the elements long ago. On the flashing billboards above, a fervent preacher screamed of the unholy creatures which plagued their streets. Abominations of nature who traded their humanity for the blood of the innocent. Shouto felt as though the man was screaming right at him.

On stormy nights like this, most people hid in their homes. Shouto could feel their pulses from miles away, bounding beneath the fragile barrier of their skin. Shouto’s fangs unsheathed against his will, pricking against his sandpaper dry lips. He couldn’t remember the last time he ate. He held out longer this time than any other time before. He managed to refuse what his brother always eventually forced upon him. But he always lost in the end. Probably because he grew so weak and delirious with starvation. Constantly wasting away, dying. Rinse and repeat, like a rat caught in a wheel. But Shouto knew he could never die from something like this. Lord knows he’s tried. 

Shouto was at his limit now, he could feel it. Maybe that’s why he snuck out the window of their ratchety apartment, before Touya could drag another victim back to nurse him back to health. Regret thrummed through Shouto’s feverish mind. It was dangerous for him to be out here. He should have run somewhere into the mountains, where he couldn’t hurt anyone. But one step out and he was lured by that metallic aroma which beckoned so sweetly to him. His teeth ached to sink into something warm. His victim hadn’t even noticed his stalker, trailing in the shadows behind him. Shouto was stripped of his senses now, reduced to a beast acting on instinct alone. 

Without a preamble, he struck. He had been without for so long.

@roguesenses

[nxmbervii]

xyunaxxx​:

(…)

Yuna felt a sudden, overwhelming urge to bury her face into Seven’s jacket, seek comfort in him like she used to with her mom when she was little. Her mom would stroke her hair and coo to her, saying everything was all right… Yuna hadn’t hugged her mom like that since she was 11. A preteen, she thought she was too cool for that type of coddling. And now she might never hug her mom like that again. Yuna tightened her arms around Seven desperately, seeking his warmth. She couldn’t meet his eyes, it hurt so much. She thought of a million things to say; to break away and apologize for her rash behavior; to thank him profusely and look for instructions to the nearest shelter, to not bother the kind man anymore than she already has.

Instead, only one feeble phrase left her lips.

“I’m hungry…” 

Dependence, expectation. He felt both in the girl’s touch as she leaned against his body. Seven was immediately uncomfortable, his shoulders stiffening at the contact. It was fear - the girl called Yuna feared the unknown while Seven was afraid of forming emotional connections of any kind. Yet he did not step away from the girl or shake her off, and he certainly could have - nobody could ever put a hand on Seven when he didn’t want it, even when he was younger and without a super power this held true. 

“Everything will be okay,” he reassured eventually, bringing a hand over her head and stroking her hair gently. Yuna really did remind him of a kitten - one that had lost its way. He encountered such a creature in the past, and held its tiny shivering form between both of his hands. Pitifully it mewed, seeking attention from a mother who was likely never to return. 

Alas, Seven must admit his weakness. He had a heart that was as soft as a marshmallow, especially towards the young and innocent in need of protection. “Let’s go get dinner then, I am hungry too.” More like he was feeling nauseous from drinking on an empty stomach again, some food would definitely hit the spot. “There is a fast food place a few blocks down.” It would be weird to just poof into a public place full of customers, so they shall be walking. 

“Why don’t you have this for now? To tide you over.” Seven dug into his pants pockets in search for some sort of snack. The first thing he pulled out was a chocolate bar, and he was just about to hand it over when he saw the small writing at the bottom of the package.  Oops, almost served this kid some premium quality edibles. “I meant this.” He tucked the bar away and placed onto Yuna’s hand instead a slightly wrinkled packet of salted crackers. 

“This way.” He walked on ahead just as a cold breeze stirred. Seven turned back and looked at Yuna, once again reminded of the small shivering kitty. 

Shrugging off his jacket, he silently handed it to her. The jacket had the most hideous leopard print and smelled like alcohol and cigarettes, but it should be warm. 

[umamimia]

The moment the dry crackers hit her tongue, Yuna tasted heaven. She gobbled them with such ravenous hunger that she almost choked. She hadn’t realized how truly starved she was until the weight of food registered in her stomach. She was halfway through inhaling her crackers before she noticed Seven’s eyes on her. Sheepish, she slowed down and offered him the rest.

“Aren’t you hungry too? Lets eat these together.” What if this was the last of his provisions? Yuna was just taking all of his things without a second thought. Even if he didn’t want it, Yuna would pocket it for later, if they ever find themselves in need on the road. She munched on her last cracker slowly, savouring the taste.

Yuna hadn’t noticed she was shivering until she felt something drape around her. Seven had given her his jacket. It didn’t smell the greatest, but the weight and warmth of it soothed her. Yuna tightened the jacket around her and sniffed the insides. Cigarettes and alcohol. She stared at Seven, wondering what kind of life he had led up to now. What type of man was he? What did he do for a living? What did he like, his hobbies? He looked so young; was he in school like her? Now that Yuna stopped and thought about it, his name was rather unconventional. Although Yuna didn’t judge. She was just curious. She suddenly wanted to know everything she could about her saviour.

Seven sauntered forward as though he didn’t have a care in the world. His smile carried such confidence and ease, it was infectious. Yuna felt it difficult not to feel safe around him. She smiled back at him without realizing. He was so kind, saving her and feeding her and clothing her. It was incredible how fast she had come to trust him without really knowing anything about him.

Yuna felt curiosity surge within her. She wanted to fix that.

“How old are you, Seven? Are you in school too? You’re like me, right? When did you get your powers?” A stab of pain in her heart as Yuna thought of her family. “Did you run away? Where is your family?” Maybe after this, they could find their families together! Yuna could only hope.

[nxmbervii]

xyunaxxx​:

(…)

“I’m sorry,” Yuna whispered frantically to Seven, clenching his hand so tight her knuckles were white. “They must have followed me here, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize–I led them here. I didn’t know. I–I can only see a few minutes into the future.” They were trapped in the worst possible location, halfway between the stairs. Suddenly, a string of futures flashed through Yuna’s mind, one after the next–no matter which way they turned, they would be caught. There was nowhere left to run–they were surrounded on all sides.

“Options, options.” Seven mumbled to himself, still perfectly relaxed with his goofy grin despite the girl’s words. “There there, tiny kitten, no need to worry.” He ran his free hand - the one that wasn’t held in an unconscious death grip - through the girl’s hair, making a fine nest of her silky strands. “Daddy will take care of this.” 

The question was how. 

What was that? No, don’t be silly. Of course they weren’t in an actual pickle. Seven was fantastic at escaping tight situations, even before he’d discovered his power. To this day he had yet to find someone who could actually stop - or even slow down his foot steps. Sorry if all of this was making him sound like an arrogant prick, but teenagers often were, especially ones who were raised to rule over a whole fucking cult. 

Ah, but that’s a story we shall save for another time. 

“Have you ever been in a bar fight?” He asked with interest. “Do you want to be in one?” Seven tilted his head as he awaited for the response, though he was fairly certain he already knew. This girl was too sweet - a lot of thank yous and prone to blaming herself. She was a good girl, who was unfortunately cursed with power and must now be on the run for the rest of her life. Was she aware of this yet? Probably not. “Wanna see me knock Stan’s teeth out?” They dawdled for too long, and people got impatient. Stan was the nickname Seven decided to bestow upon the first one he saw. The guy looked like a Stan, all square chinned and serious looking.

"This way.” Seven pushed the girl into the women’s washroom behind them, a windowless place with seemingly no exit. When the men pushed open the door, however, they would find their target gone, along with the strange boy she was holding. 

Outside, approximately two blocks away, Seven re-appeared with the future sight girl in princess carry. Setting her down on her feet, he bid her to wait before vanishing once more. 

Dear Stan, who was on his way out of the bathroom, felt a tap on his shoulder. When he turned, he was greeted by a fist to the nose by the ghost of the pink stalls past. 

“Now I feel better,” Seven said when he returned to the little lady, shaking blood from his knuckles. He decided to save her eyes from violence this time, though he had a feeling she’ll need to get used to it eventually. “What’s your name? How do you feel?” Some people felt rather sick after their first teleportation experience while others were fine. “If you need to throw up, there’s a trash bin right there.” He pointed at the half-lidded can helpfully. 

[umamimia]

It all happened so fast.

A wild tornado of emotions, throwing Yuna in its disarray. Fear. Excitement. Adrenaline. Bewilderment. 

Yes, Bewildered. That was what Yuna felt the most. So much so, she could barely catch her breath. 

One moment she was clinging on to this strange boy for dear life, the next they were standing inside a cubicle stall, Yuna’s eyes as wide and startled as when Seven brought up the possibility of a bar fight.

Before she could utter a “don’t leave!” He was gone. 

Yuna stood alone, gawking.

Right as she made up her mind to look for Seven, he re-appeared before her and suddenly they were outside, soaking up the sweet midnight air. 

“Are you okay?? Where did you go?” Yuna clenched on to Seven like a baby chick to its mother. “What happened to those people who came after us?”

“And you… we just teleported…” Yuna looked at the trashcan that Seven pointed to and the weight of everything she endured over the past 24 hours suddenly crashed onto her like a massive boulder. Yuna’s legs wobbled and she slumped forward, her limbs feeling like noodles. 

“My name is Yuna… I ran away from home this morning… I, I can see the future, and I saw the government coming after me. I ran away without thinking. Then I saw you saving me in a vision.” Yuna’s eyes watered as she realized how hopeless her situation really was. But she willed herself not to cry. “I don’t know where else to go.”

Yuna felt a sudden, overwhelming urge to bury her face into Seven’s jacket, seek comfort in him like she used to with her mom when she was little. Her mom would stroke her hair and coo to her, saying everything was all right... Yuna hadn’t hugged her mom like that since she was 11. A preteen, she thought she was too cool for that type of coddling. And now she might never hug her mom like that again. Yuna tightened her arms around Seven desperately, seeking his warmth. She couldn’t meet his eyes, it hurt so much. She thought of a million things to say; to break away and apologize for her rash behavior; to thank him profusely and look for instructions to the nearest shelter, to not bother the kind man anymore than she already has.

Instead, only one feeble phrase left her lips.

“I’m hungry...” 

[nightprompts]

&. 𝐡𝐢𝐭 ‘𝐞𝐦 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬.

(  more  angst  to  devastate  your  writing  partners.  metaphorically.  )

❛ you’re a weapon, and weapons don’t weep. ❜

❛ you can’t save everyone. ❜

❛ it should have been you. ❜

❛ did i do good? ❜

❛ i’m sorry that i can’t save you. ❜

❛ wait for me, will you? ❜

❛ i can’t lose you again! ❜

❛ you were dead, i saw you die. ❜

❛ we won’t forget each other, right? ❜

❛ i’m real. i’m here. ❜

❛ you already know how this will end. ❜

❛ it’s always my fault, isn’t it? ❜

❛ i don’t want to go. ❜

❛ can you remember how you died? ❜

❛ i love you, but you’re not mine. ❜

❛ have you ever lost someone? ❜

❛ i didn’t ask to get made. ❜

❛ you’re as beautiful as the day i lost you. ❜

❛ i never meant to hurt you. ❜

❛ is it really you? ❜

❛ their blood is on your hands. ❜

❛ it would have been better to die. ❜

❛ i’m not ready to lose you yet. ❜

❛ i wish i met you sooner. ❜

❛ let’s just stay here. grow old. ❜

❛ you’re the first friend i ever had. ❜

❛ i told you not to fall in love with me. ❜

❛ you always push people away. i just thought you’d never do it to me. ❜

❛ everyone i’ve cared about has either died or left me. except for you. ❜

❛ i know i have a heart because i can feel it breaking. ❜

❛ they’re not coming back. ❜

❛ i’m sorry, have we met? ❜

❛ in my dreams, we’re still together. ❜

❛ you’re the one good thing left in this world. ❜

❛ i hate the way that i don’t hate you. ❜

❛ it’s okay. you can let go. ❜

❛ you mean nothing to me. ❜

❛ we’re on our own now. ❜

❛ you can’t kill me, i’m not alive. ❜

❛ it wasn’t supposed to end like this. ❜

❛ do you remember when we first met? ❜

❛ we’ll see each other again. ❜

❛ there’s nothing you could have done. ❜

❛ we did it. we won. ❜

❛ let’s not go back. not ever. ❜

❛ thanks for playing with me. ❜

❛ why does it feel like this is goodbye? ❜

[nxmbervii]

decades past.

xyunaxxx​:

(…)

“Seven,” She blurted, desperate relief welling in her heart. “Your name is Seven, right?”

The scent of roses. Eyes of anticipation behind the white veil darkening with shock and horror. 

“Where are you going?” A voice demanded. “You can’t do this!” Shouted another. 

Hands grasped at him and with incredibly agility he danced out of their reach. He shut his eyes, not wanting to see anyone’s disappointment. He put his hands over his ears in an attempt to block out their calls but sound still seeped through the cracks between his fingers.

You can’t just leave us, Seven.

That was indeed his name, and one he didn’t give out to many. “Sup,” he drawled with a smile, tapping on his mug, indicating to the bartender that he needed another. “Aren’t you a bit too young to be at the bar?” 

The burly man with the beer pitcher gave his least generous regular a sour look of reluctance, but also another of resignation as he poured. “Last one, asshole.” The man warned, which Alex responded to with air smooches. Their Frank was all bark and no bite, precious really. 

“Who gave you my name?” He turned his eyes back to the girl he was fairly certain he had never met. “And what can I help you with?” She dressed like a good girl and smelled clean, both of which meant she had no business in this part of the city. Sure, sometimes stupid high-schoolers showed up, looking for thrill, but those usually came with their friends. No friends meant no one to show off to, and thus not worth the risk of the trip.

The bar became a little quieter just then. Alex’s eyes, as well as a few others in this place, went to the door. One of the servers bent down and whispered into the ears of one of the men near the jukebox. The guy’s eyes narrowed before he got up, and his buddies moved to follow him. 

“Police is after you?” Because he was not personally on this country’s wanted list, yet. At least as of the last time he checked. “Just kidding, but let’s leave anyway.” Alex downed that mug of beer before he took a single step away from the counter though, he was not about to waste alcohol. “Not that way, we are not going with those guys. I know another exit upstairs. Much more fun.” His grin grew slightly mischievous. “Come on, follow me.” 

[umamimia]

“Who gave you my name?” 

“You did. In the future. I mean, you did just now–but I saw you say your name. I saw you in my past,” Yuna was rambling. Panicking. What was she thinking, just blurting his name out like that? Ofcourse he would be curious-- apprehensive, even. Not that he was showing any signs of distrust behind that charming smile, but Yuna was scared, dehydrated, and tired--she couldn’t think straight. Yuna shook her head, she needed to stop talking before she confuses them both any further. “Please, please believe me. I know I look crazy right now, but I–I really need your help. Only you can save me. Please.” 

Suddenly the man was looking around before settling his drink down and pulling her hand. 

“Oh thank you, thank you for helping me–” Yuna was so overcome with relief and gratitude that she instantly melted in the man’s hold. She didn’t understand what he meant by “fun”, didn’t know where he would take her, but she trusted the saviour in her vision and it felt good to finally be relying on someone instead of herself for so long.

Halfway up the stairs, Yuna froze. 

“We can’t go up there,” she whispered, “I just saw it--there are people at the top of the stairs, waiting to ambush us.” How did they follow her here already? She was so sure she came alone– the streets were empty when she ran from home. She was alone for so long-- Unless… unless they let her run on purpose. They’d been following her this entire time… to find her hideout.

There were two setbacks to Yuna’s clairvoyance. First, she needed to touch someone else to see their future. Second, she could only see the near future–a few minutes to a few hours, max. 

If they had been following her the entire day, she wouldn’t find out until a few moments before they strike. 

“I’m sorry,” Yuna whispered frantically to Seven, clenching his hand so tight her knuckles were white. “They must have followed me here, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize–I led them here. I didn’t know. I–I can only see a few minutes into the future.” They were trapped in the worst possible location, halfway between the stairs. Suddenly, a string of futures flashed through Yuna’s mind, one after the next–no matter which way they turned, they would be caught. There was nowhere left to run–they were surrounded on all sides.

[umamimia]

Decades past

Yuna skittered through the shadowy alleyway, the occasional bursts of neon light illuminating her hooded figure. More than a few times she felt dirty water splash against her shoes, and rats scurrying past her feet. The first few times it happened she nearly jumped in fright, but now she hardly paid them mind. Rats weren’t the scariest thing anymore–it was the eyes that followed her every time she emerged in the light. A chill ran up Yuna’s back--she didn’t know if it was just paranoia, but she felt like someone was following her. She hastened her steps. Between street gangs and the government, Yuna didn’t know which she dreaded more.

Yuna had never been to this part of town before. She hadn’t even known a place like this existed, blissfully ignorant behind her white picket fence, with her friends and family. 

Everything had changed in an instant. One minute she was eating breakfast, the next minute she was pushed out the door by her mother after sharing her harrowing vision. The government breaking into their house and slamming them to the floor. Daisy barking frantically before falling silent with a pained cry. Yuna didn’t know whether it was minutes or hours forward in time that her vision displayed, but the neighbourhood was still peaceful by the time she ran out the house. It had almost been a day since then--Were her parents alright? Was Daisy scared? Thinking of her family brought a tear to Yuna’s eye. She sniffed but held it back. Right now, she must be brave. For the one thing that kept her moving forward was that one name.  

The boy from her memories.

Her only hope.

‘Suuuuuuup,’ There was a charming smile on his face, ‘Aren’t you a bit too young to be at the bar?’

“...how old are you, kid?” The bouncer asked, eyebrow raised. 

“I’m eighteen!” Yuna tried to sound as convincing as possible, having finally made it to the establishment. The man didn’t seem convinced, but after a moment of silence allowed her entry. 

“Another one of Baldie’s kids…” The rest of his muttering was drowned out as Yuna entered the crowded bar filled with all sorts of people, from old tatted men to women in leather jackets to even a few skimpily dressed boys and girls around her age. Most of the patrons were either hollering loudly or passed out with a mug in hand. Yuna searched for that face in her vision. He seemed a bit older than her, handsome, with short shaggy hair.

Finally she found him... or what looked to be the back of his head. 

“Hello?” Yuna tried. 

“My name is–”

“Seven,” She blurted, desperate relief welling in her heart. “Your name is Seven, right?”

@nxmbervii

[sijunxx]

;escape

[umamimia]

Sijunxx:

(...)

Maybe father was right and he shouldn’t have left the forest. Somehow he managed to survive the woods alone for years upon years but the moment he stepped into civilization he was dealing with this sort of mess.

Whatever, it’s worth it. He told himself. At least if he dies here, he’ll end up buried by the mountain next to someone beautiful.

Ziyu followed Sijun without objection. The two sprinted until the trees blurred, the adrenaline coursing through her bloodstream pushing her legs to their limits. During her life in court, Ziyu never walked faster than so much as a trot--now, they ran from danger every day. The rumbling around them grew louder and louder with each second, as if the mountain was crumbling beneath their feet. Ziyu nearly stumbled but Sijun’s hand on hers kept her upright. She had no effort to scream--all they could do was run.

After what felt like hours, days, they broke into a clearing and stumbled onto a main road. Ziyu gasped for breath as unobstructed sunlight hit her face. Finally, Ziyu looked back--the mountain was still standing. “We made it!” She cried in relief and exhaustion, “And they did, too!”

[sijunxx]

;escape

[umamimia]

sijunxx:

(...)

The noises became quieter, then gone. Sijun wasn’t sure if he was officially too far away to hear or if the demon had been defeated. Once again, he turned to look and this time, he realized the fog had dissipated. Before he had a chance to smile and share the good news with the rest of his party, the ground began shaking. “What the-” He managed to censor himself in time for his lady. “We have to move!” There was a crack forming on the earth. “Now!” He grabbed Ziyu by the hand and scooped up the dog from the ground. Ignoring her dog highness’s wiggles of displeasure, Sijun ran like hell to put distance between their group and the widening crack.

“What did they do?” He didn’t mean to sound accusatory, but that thing in the air looked anything but normal. “Is that some sort of cultivation treasure?” Sijun stopped running to stare at the thing that emerged, squinting in an attempt to see its details during this earthquake.

Ziyu squeezed her arms around her companions, sinking into the group hug. She sniffed when they finally parted, reluctant to let go. In the short time she had known Sijun, this man was already capable of comforting her in ways few others could.

Ziyu nodded obediently when Sijun prompted them to leave. The three went on, single-file, Xueli leading and Sijun flanking. Ziyu’s heart, even hardened with resolve, tightened painfully at every clash of audible violence indicating the horrible fight they were leaving behind.

Gradually, the noises receded; so much so, that an almost-unnatural calm surrounded them.

Suddenly the ground shook violently beneath Ziyu’s feet, nearly knocking her off-balance.

Sijun was shouting. With unprecedented haste he scooped Xueli up and began tugging Ziyu forward in a mad sprint. Ziyu made the mistake of looking behind her to see what they were running from--and witnessed the source of the ensuing chaos.

A glowing red gem, almost leisurely in its ascension, rising so high above the treeline even they could see it. Sijun’s face, the trees around them, even her own skin--everything became submerged in a nightmarish red light, as if reality itself had warped into that of twisted terror.

The ascending gem shook violently in the air, as if on the verge of explosion. Ziyu clutched Sijun’s hand painfully tight, squeezed her eyes shut, and buried her face into his chest.

[sijunxx]

;escape

[umamimia]

Sijunxx:

(...)

“This mountain is dangerous, A-Yu. I know you want to talk to your Jiuli-gege desperately, but we might not survive if we stay.” He approached the topic with a gentle voice, trying to keep the conversation light. Sijun hated discussing uncomfortable topics such as death around Ziyu, but she was a growing girl with her own ideals as well as determination - she deserved to know the truth. “I think we should get off the mountain now and wait for Nie Jiuli at the foot. What do you think?”

“SIJUN!!” Ziyu cried in raw joy as she crashed into her much-missed companion’s arms. Ziyu wrapped her arms around Sijun and hugged him tight--all boundaries, courtesies, and manners abandoned, leaving behind only the pure ecstasy at having escaped a perilous situation and being reunited with her companion and seeing him equally well.

“I was so scared,” Ziyu began to sniffle, unable to help the hot tears of relief which welled in her eyes and threatened to spill. “And so worried about you!” She choked, wiping her red eyes, “Please, lets not ever be separated like that again!” Ziyu wasn’t usually one to cry before others, as to lose control of one’s emotion in public was improper and unladylike--but for some reason, she felt comfortable around Sijun. It was as if all the treacherous experiences they’d endured together--escaping the Jin guards, escaping the tea-house, escaping a demonic fog together--had bonded them ten years worth over just a few days. When she felt Sijun’s hands in her hair, she instantly melted--the last time she felt this safe was... when she was with her sister.

Then, Sijun’s tone lowered as he mentioned their next plan of action. “But--but Jiuli, he--what if he’s in trouble?” Knowing him, he was likely in the center of the battlefield, and--even her brother could be up there--Ziyu shuddered, imagining the adversity they could be facing. But, just as she knew they were in danger, she could not shake the dark cloud which stifled her heart--she could do nothing to help. She barely escaped the fog with her life in tact--Ziyu felt the hot, tender swell of tears back in her eyes. Not for the first time in her life, she realized the extent of her powerlessness. “I know we can’t help them,” Ziyu shook her head. “But I also know they’re in danger, and--I hate being so weak!” 

[umamimia]

Peril

[umamimia]

@daiyuxx:

(...)

Taking a step back, preparing to move away from the terrifying reminder when a voice suddenly drew her attention away from the scene that disappeared as soon as her focus was elsewhere. Daiyu was able to make out the shadow of a person, not too far away from her current position. Hands still shaking, she gripped her dagger tightly as the other drew closer.

“Whose there?”

The figure gradually came into sight as Ziyu approached. She looked around Ziyu’s age, wearing what seemed like white robes, although it was hard to fully discern her appearance in this thick mist. The girl looked tense--considering the circumstances, it was not unexpected. Ziyu--panting and distressed--probably appeared in no better shape, herself.

“D-don’t be startled, please! My name is--” Ziyu hesitated, knowing better than to reveal her identity. Furthermore, she had long replaced her incriminating golden robes with what Sijun deemed as ‘common clothing’. “--my name is Nini,” Ziyu finally blurted, adopting the alias Sijun gave at the Red Lantern Teahouse.

“What--what may I call you?” Ziyu asked, never one to forget courtesy even in a situation like this. “I--I was traveling with my friends when we were separated by this fog. Were you separated from your friends, too?” Ziyu squinted in the fog. “There’s something truly evil about this mountain, please, we musn’t stay too long--”

Suddenly, from somewhere in the distance came a long, echoing howl. “That’s--that’s my spirit dog! That’s Xueli! That must mean my companions are close!” Ziyu cried joyously. “Xueli!” Then another voice came, only this time much softer and silkier in tone; a human voice, so nostalgic, so painful, beckoning unnaturally close to Ziyu’s ear...

Suddenly Ziyu’s eyes glazed and she fell silent, as if in a trance. Her legs began to move without her knowing. one by one, she stepped further and further from the only other living creature on the mountain...

“Big sister... Oh, how I’ve missed you...” 

[umamimia]

Peril

Ziyu navigated the mountain wearily, waving her hands amidst the murky fog, desperate to feel something warm and alive against her fingertips.

How could this happen?

She had just escaped her clan; she was so close to her goal, to her betrothed, to Nie Jiuli--so close, then ripped away in a narrow escape with Sijun. Now, by some freak happenstance they were separated once more, now with not even her most loyal companion by her side. The mist ambushed them so swiftly there was no time to react. It seemed the heavens possessed some cruel sense of humor which forbade the trio from being together for any length of time without enduring one obstacle or another.

On this cold, lifeless mountain, Ziyu was alone, truly alone for the first time in her life, and she felt grappled with fear. Her legs wobbled and she resisted the urge to give in and fall; for she knew, the moment she collapsed she would not rise again.

With this thought in mind Ziyu trudged on, her companion’s names heavy on her lips.

“Xueli!” She screamed into the unknown. “Sijun!” Her only reply was the vast echo supplied by the ever thickening fog. With every passing second she felt hopelessness clench her heart. Soon the mist would grow so thick she would not see the tips of her fingers.

Suddenly Ziyu squinted, making out a blurry figure in the distance. Technically Ziyu was a runaway, but her joy at finding someone, anyone else alive momentarily overtook her sense and caution.

“Hello!!” She waved, hope dripping from her voice. “Hello, can you hear me?”

@daiyuxx

[umamimia]

Fill the void

Ziyu awoke to the sight of gaudy painted flowers, cracking off the ceiling walls. She rubbed her eyes blearily as she slowly rose from bed, late morning sunlight filtering onto her bedding through the draped windows. Ziyu observed her surroundings with a sleep addled mind, Xueli dozing by her feet peacefully. The inn room looked both familiar and unfamiliar, unchanged from last night.

It had been a long while since Ziyu last slept in this late. As far as she could remember, Ziyu abided by a strict schedule; every morning, awaking before the sun rose, rows of servants ready by her bedside with trays of towels and a basin of warm water for washing; her clothes, makeup, and jewelry all selected for the day. Now, the silence felt freeing yet strange, like something good she hasn’t quite accustomed to yet. And Ziyu was alone, as her companion was no where in sight.

Sijun went into town a lot. To buy, trade, gather supplies--everything they needed to do for survival. Sometimes, Ziyu followed him, but most times he was faster without her. Nonetheless, Ziyu didn’t like being alone. It reminded her of the times her father locked her in her room for misbehavior. It felt claustrophobic, grating. Ziyu shook her head, trying to dispel the negative thoughts from her mind. Her stomach rumbled--she searched the room, but it seemed their provisions had run out. Ziyu knew she should be good and wait for Sijun, but the inn downstairs served plenty of food--Ziyu wouldn’t even have to leave the building. After a while of debating, Ziyu donned a shawl for discretion and left the room.

The other problem was... money.

It was an odd feeling, not having money. Ziyu was never allowed to handle money herself, but one word and her servants would bring the pouch. Granted, her purchases were strictly restricted and monitored, so even that freedom was an illusion. Ziyu gnawed the insides of her cheek. She ripped a button from her dress, turning the golden nub between her fingers.

Would this be enough? Suddenly, Ziyu’s attention was drawn as a server spoke up.

“Little miss, what are you doing standing there, all alone?” It was a lanky young man. “You must be careful nowadays, pretty girls like you are going missing everyday.”

“Going missing?”

“Yes, haven’t you heard? It’s horrible. Girls, boys, men, women, even the elderly--no one is immune to the mist in Baijing mountain. It all started when...”