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braemjeorn · 2 months

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CHAPTER XV [masterlist]

pairing: bang chan x ofc

genre/notes: general audience; angst; regency period drama; family fluff; domesticity; ocassional angst; slowburn; governess!oc; nobility!BC; age differences; age changes

wordcount: 3.1k

summary: solem mullings in between old company

also available in ao3, if you prefer that format

⚠️ All characters that shares the name of real life person in this story are represented in a fictional manner for entertainment purpose, and not to be alluded with real life.

TAGLIST: @spookykryptoniteperson @nixtape-foryou @do-you-know-what-else-is-big

“Are you well, Miss Son?”

Mari turned, finding one of the boys trailing behind her at the terrace’s stairs. “Yes, Jisung?”

“You look awful grey these two days. You don’t play with us as much,” the boy said. The declaration rather perplexed her, but then the sheepish guilt rose at the truth of it.

It was only time before one of the boys took notice. It happened to be observant, little Jisung—but then his brothers were distracted with the newly installed sundial down in the garden. Mari had often relented the boys to the cares of their uncle or their father recently, stepping back from their plays and walks to the terrace, or a bench. The detachment from their party was intentional, that they might adjust to her shirking presence in exchange for Lady Jang’s. Yet as she spent the hours quietly beside the boy’s loud excitement and the sunny day, her thrumming mind and yearning heart began to wonder if it was the right course after all.

“My thoughts are like tangled yarns, like that day you came to me to the drawing room,” Mari confessed to the lad, keeping it as simple as she could. “And it makes me a dreary being—I fear making a miserable company between your games.”

Jisung frowned, head tilting as he contemplated. “I thought they would not be so burdensome when you’re older.”

Mari smiled. “Truthfully, perhaps you’d encounter them much more frequently as an adult; and however much you've encountered it, there are times when they will make you feel helpless.”

Jisung hummed. He climbed up the stairs to settle himself to sit beside her. “It looks like a burden,” he mused.

“At times you feel very grey, yes.”

“Can I do anything to help? Well, I might ask the others for help too…”

There was much comfort she had from his words, and Mari grasped his shoulder warmly.

“You are very kind already in coming to ask me about my state. Although—” Mari hesitates, but continues with the plans she had been arranging. “It is not for help, but… I would like to ask some permission from you and your brothers?”

There was an excited cry from the group beyond them. Jisung nodded, his attention settled upon her.

“If I return to the old school—for a few days only, perhaps until Monday—will you let me? And put my mind at ease by being good with your father?”

Jisung frowned, gaze lowered to their shoes in thought. Then he spoke again with a tint of whine, “But why are you going?”

“Well—it might clear my mind, and ease my burdens. That I might teach you better on Monday.”

“And you have to go to do that? A walk won’t do?” Jisung looked up.

“I’m afraid so.”

“But you’ll be back?”

“How can I not?” Mari smiled. “I have to read what poem you’ll write tomorrow.”

Jisung nodded, “All right. I say you may go.”

He grinned and Mari .annot help but kiss his brows in gratitude.

“Shall I tell my brothers as well?”

“Not now,” Mari said. “I’ll tell them myself, the same way I ask you.”

His brothers were more reluctant to let her go, even with her reasons and assurances. Jisung was quiet next to Yongbok, both watching as the others hovered about Mari while she packed her things.

Jisung nodded, then settled closer to her, resting his head upon her shoulder. She couldn’t help but think of the same way he attaches himself to his father in the evenings as they listen to stories.

“Did we upset you?” the oldest cried.

“Not in the least, Minho. No.”

“Then what’s wrong?” Jeongin pried next.

“Nothing. It is not because of any of you, Jeongin—that I swear. It is my mind, it is rather… wearied.” Seven pairs of eyes fixed on her, wide or frowning in concern. Mari strained a smile through her face, “But I assure you, I will find some relief in my old company, and thus I will be able to return with clearer sight and lighter burden. I promise.”

Mari felt guilty giving this news abruptly, tinting the boys with great worry and confusion. But it would only be for a few days, so fast that they wouldn’t even feel it.

“You’ve promised then,” Jeongin settled, even if a little sullenly.

“That I have,” Mari decided. “Won’t you boys like a little holiday?”

“I suppose,” Hyunjin hummed.

Minho was still perturbed—far more than he had been, for his hand dragged over his mussed hair and his scrunched eyes. Changbin’s stare delivered that he thought the eldest was mad.

“But what will become of us without you!?” Minho bemoaned.

“Minho, it is not the end of the world,” Mari reasoned gently, prying his hands away from his face. “You’ve managed quite well without me before, and even longer before that.”

She supposed that only his recollection of his being the eldest—and the necessity to keep his composure and senses—stopped him from bemoaning even further of his worries. At that moment, a new figure approached–all fine and flowy blue silk gown, defined curls, and a basket in hand. The boys fell into a hush, and Lady Jang asked them to excuse her with Miss Son for a moment. The boys exited the room, the elders taking the younger ones’ hands. Mari turned to her clothes, and as the hum of the boys’ footsteps receded away, the rustle of Baroness Jang’s skirt was stark in the room’s silence.

“Miss Son, you’ve left your sewing basket on the terrace. Quite the precarious place.”

“Oh,” Mari turned, now recognizing the basket gently settled over her covers. The boys had been quite rushed inside for lunch, she had forgotten. She peered inside, gently touching the scissors and embroidered fabric. “I thank you, Lady Jang.”

The lady gave a dismissive hum and moved to a more open part of her room near the desk.

“Miss Son—”

“Lady Jang, I think I have the answer already,” Mari cut. She felt awkward in abruptly speaking over the baroness but pursued on with the questioning look the lady gave her. “Forgive me for making you wait for so long only for me to say that I cannot accept your proposal.”

“Oh. I see,” Lady Jang hummed, then her frown turned troubled, “How unfortunate.” She slowly walked towards the window, deep in her thoughts.

“I cannot stay longer than my predetermined time,” Mari said, if only to fill the lengthy silence.

“Yes,” Lady Jang said absently. “It will be difficult, for the children are quite fond of you—it will be very hard for them to be parted from you, and for yourself as well I imagine.”

“I have my commitments…”

“And the Commodore too.” Lady Jang’s musing eyes turned to Mari’s sharply. The poor governess - harried as she was in the moment - could not make out the meaning in those glinting gazes and easy mouth.

“He regards you highly, with a great deal of respect I could never imagine bestowed for a governess.” Lady Jang moved to the side of the window, which let light illuminate the side of her face. Her gaze considered Mari and then came a little amused quirk of her lips.

“He is fond of you. That is all I could imagine with the way he speaks of you.”

A lump bloomed in Mari’s throat, spreading to fill her chest. Mari sighed to relieve the tears she would not let the baroness see on her face. She hated it, that she might be seen in a vulnerable state, and be triumphed over. Lady Jang stood tall, elegant and poised as ever. The perfect consort to a seafaring man—the victor. Mari’s hands clenched up into a fist, and she took a deep breath.

“I am only a governess,” she said. “There will be others better and worse than me. I only hope that the boys may have one that is capable of bringing lessons and strength for them to grow in.”

The boys understood that they could not wheedle out more reasoning from her nor change her mind, and let her have her way while holding the promise firmly as if against her. The Commodore eased her away from their pestering—aware of her departure before they did, and again asked Minatozaki-san to supply her with goods from the pantry or the dairy, and called for his carriage for her use. Mari bade her goodbyes to the guests and held the boys’ hands as they waited on the stairs. They slipped lavenders and daffodils in her hands this time. Commodore Bang stood before the carriage, waiting while she talked to Seungmin. Then Mari turned, waving her hands and slowly descending the stairs. She looked up, finding her employer waiting for her with a small smile. His garbs were dark for the day, but his presence was as comforting as ever. Mari felt pleasure when his hand took her gloved one, guiding her inside the carriage. The door was shut, but he stayed near, hands upon the open window.

She would not stay under the woman’s household and bear her scrutiny. Even if it meant relinquishing any contact with her boys.

“If you do not wish to return, you only need to say it,” he said. He had leant close to her, and his words were quiet, only for their own company. “I shall dissolve your obligations here, and arrange for your things to be sent your way.”

“You offend me, Commodore,” Mari replied, surprised at her revived boldness in teasing him. “I have more respect for my commitment than you assumed. Nor could I hurt the boys any more than I have.”

“You, hurting the boys?”

Mari turned towards his broods, waiting upon the stairs. The day was not so bright, and a gloom settled over the house’s red shade. But she gave them one last smile and raised her hand in a wave.

“They shall have to be used on not having my company. I shall be gone forever one day,” Mari hummed. “But that doesn't mean I shall not cherish them during the few days I have.”

The Commodore made no reply, gazing morosely at her. He rather looked like Minho that way, and Mari’s heart thumped with a pang. Her hand neared his, and before she was conscious of any better–as if they moved together—their hands melded again in a warm grasp. A sharp current ran through her skin—but Mari felt relief too, to be in his genial acknowledgement again, his good, steady presence.

“On Monday, then, Commodore,” Mari whispered.

Commodore Bang smiled, as if he found the stability as well. The sombreness in his eyes reflected those of his children, but his smile was like a glow of sun on that grey day. There was a little crack in her heart at the sight, spilling a wonder if she might like to see his face every day forever.

Mrs Ahn received her with some surprise; her eyes doubtful at Mari’s reasoning—that she had returned to hear Mr Park’s sermons, and the Bangs had been so kind as to give her leave. That gaze did not diminish. Her daughter noticed too, yet took matters in an entirely different direction. She clasped Mari warmly while telling her how pleasant a surprise it was. In such a manner—although Mari caught the doubt in her eyes as well—the welcome was warm, and questions were set aside. In return, Mari listened to all the news Inha wished to tell and was comforted in how easily they settled back into old habits of lazing around each other’s bed and conversing.

“Take care, Miss Son,” he said softly. Commodore released her hand and called for the carriage to drive on. Mari jerked at the movement, looked back, and saw that he stood where he was, watching on, until the carriage turned away from the front park and the house disappeared out of sight.

Inha had frequented the town, for the company of Mr Noh—a tradesman, a nephew of some sort to one of their gentry neighbour. Curious of the man whom Inha had so well favoured, she was satisfied in his presence for dinner that Saturday evening, making a pleasant table of six. His black hair was full and his brown eyes warm and kind; generous and affable to all at the table, with a steady maturity that tempered Inha’s excitement, but a softness which pleased her attention. Mr Goo was his uncle, a landlord of the same parish. Mari shared some amusement with Junhee that the old gentleman had found great pleasure to be in the company of Mrs Ahn. Not that they would disclose it to the other two ladies.

It was how Mari passed Saturday and Sunday, playing chaperone to the new lovers at home. They would talk over one another while she sewed, only speaking when she liked or more often when persuaded to. The evenings were quieter, and at the same time increased her melancholy. By then, Mari had lacked the desire to pursue her embroidery, and her gaze would trail away upon the moonlit garden. The whirls of her worries occupied her, that she had not heard when Junhe and Inha agreed to retire and now she found Mrs Ahn settling down beside her.

“I cannot help but think, my child, how little spirit you seem to have,” the old matron said, startling Mari, even in the gentle way she settled into the chair beside her. “Much as I am glad to find you here.”

Mari was in proper, good humour, with gentle smiles towards the company around her. But Mrs Ahn's familiar eyes noticed, how there was little light in her pleasantries, and how when she thought nobody else was watching her gaze trailed out the window to the garden, lost in her mind while fixated on the lush green fields or the simple—almost miserable—hydrangeas; and her hands, idle over the embroidery hoop, clasped and unclasped, or a finger traced over one palm absently, as if in a search. She didn’t even seem to hunger for walks in the afternoon the way she would.

It was so she had found the young governess that evening, who abruptly realised that she had set herself in a situation she could not remove herself from, contemplating far too long after Inha and Junhee bid themselves away to retire. Now Mari would have to answer her—but what came out of her surprised Mrs Ahn considerably.

“I should never be a governess again,” she started quietly.

“Whyever so?”

“I do not think my heart’s inclination to attachment would be pleased to suffer another separation.”

Mari, who had been so eager to venture out into the governess’ shoes. Out of all the obstacles she had expected would hinder the girl from trying again, this was the least of her imagination. But she chose not to point it out and asked about another subject. “But isn’t separation a common part of life?”

Mari fell silent. She would like to answer, but at the moment only a weak agreement seemed possible for her to say, so she refrained from it thoroughly.

“Attachments need not be severed by distance,” Mrs Ahn said at length. “I kept correspondence with a few of my previous pupils, even until now.”

“I’m not sure if I will have that privilege.”

“You were not unhappy in the house?”

“No,” Mari exclaimed, starting herself to sit straighter. “Not at all. I found no other place where I was so alive and content that I laughed so often and freely—gaily, in earnest happiness.

“But then perhaps it is the feeling of purpose, of being needed, important to the boys which had taken to coddle me. I never had any more than three hours of rest in my waking hours before one of them would look for my attention, and after him came another or two… My desire for fulfilment was thoroughly satisfied.” A small smile crept on her face. “But I cannot linger, they will have to do without me and adjust to another presence. Cruel as that may be. As for myself, I had seen so little of the world; in comparison to the Commodore, who’s travelled seas and lands beyond. He would have been able to decide easily where he would let his heart find his final anchor. Unlike me, who might need to discover other opportunities for my skills.”

“I suppose it is so,” Mrs Ahn hummed. “By being a governess, you have tried the extent of your contentment.”

“As such I am resolved. My wish is to work here with you, in O—.”

“You are resolved?” Mrs Ahn had her apprehensions of Mari settling into such a decision, all for the young girl to turn at her with a smile.

“I thought that if I were to enter another house, I would not be able to help myself in comparing the children to Commodore Bang’s boys. I’m not as brisque and practical as you are, Mrs Ahn—much as I’d like to be. My affections get the better of my decisions. You must make me a good headmistress instead,” Mari smiled. She sighed and found herself inclined towards the old widow’s lap, in the same manner she might have done at thirteen, then wearied by arithmetics. “I must be prepared for the role I wish to achieve—to care for the school after you—now that Inha’s found her love.”

“And if your love came?”

“I am three and twenty,” Mari mused. “What luck should it be if I could—but that’s like finding a four-leaf clover.”

“Mari, you must be happy,” Mrs Ahn insisted. “I cannot help but feel like you are settling yourself into an everlasting gloom. No—do not reply to me, listen well. You were entrusted to my care thirteen years ago, and I’ve acted as your mother since. I want you to live your life in the world as well as you ought, and satisfy all your curiosities and yearning. As so I wish you would not just settle so to this own school. If you are to teach in another school, and another place, I would be glad of it for you. If you decide that you might live into another profession, if you are suddenly sick of teaching, you have my good wishes to do so. And if, like Inha, you are to find your happiness, you must not think of me, but happily fly into that path to that someone waiting for you. Promise me.”

Mari’s thought wandered again to Commodore Bang’s smiling eyes and the warmth of his hand. Her heart wanted and yet her mind knew that she could not—to entertain another possibility does not sit well in her, and the thought that she might have to, that she must, to be satisfied and to find care as a dependent, fills her instead with hollowness. Her answer came quiet like she was obliging to a hardy, prophesied labour, “Aye, I promise.”

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acacia-may · 11 months

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Hold Up The World (OMORI Fanfiction)

Description: "Kel liked getting to play Mr. Fix-It for his friends’ problems. He just wished he was better at it, so he wouldn’t have to watch helplessly as his friends suffered with a pain he couldn’t even begin to understand."

Kel faces the aftermath of "the truth" and, as always, tries his best to keep everyone together while continuing to run from his own negative feelings, but his memories of Mari and an unexpected conversation with Aubrey might help him confront some more difficult truths of his own.

Relationships: Kel's Friendship with Sunny, Hero, Basil, Aubrey, and Mari. Heavy emphasis on Kel & Mari's friendship and Kel & Aubrey's friendship (could be (Romantic) Kelbrey if you wanted to see it, so I've gone ahead and tagged it, but this is not an intentionally romantic work).

Characters: Kel (POV Character), Sunny, Basil, Hero, Aubrey, and Mari

Genre: Hurt/Comfort, Angst With A Hopeful Ending, Epic Friendship, Post-Good Ending.

Word Count: 6423

Rating: T for some language and heavy themes and thematic elements (i.e. grief & healing from grief and trauma).

Warnings: Major Spoilers for OMORI! Heavy themes and thematic elements (i.e. grief & healing from grief and trauma). Some language.

Link to original post on AO3. Please do not repost to another website.

A/N: This story was written for my sister whose favorite video game ever is OMORI. Since she lent me the game, I offered to write her any fanfiction she wanted about it. She asked for a Kel friendship story, post-good ending feat. reactions to "the truth." This is what I came up with. Of course, this is just one possibility of many. Thank you so much for giving it a chance.💕

Story below the cut. Thank you for reading!

How’d you do it, Mari? How’d you hold up the world?

*-*-*

“It’s okay, Sunny.” The words fell out of Kel’s mouth almost automatically. He didn’t need to think about them—didn’t want to. His mouth twitched into what he hoped was a reassuring smile, but Sunny merely blinked at him with his one eye. The other or what was left of it was covered in bandages and—something twisted in the pit of Kel’s stomach—he wasn’t sure if it could blink anymore.

Kel paused, wondering if Sunny would say anything in response. He wasn’t sure if he wanted him to or not but imagined anything would be better than sitting in this heavy silence alone with that sickening coiling feeling in his stomach and that painful ache in his chest—panging now like a reopened wound. With a heavy sigh, Kel pushed the thought aside. Sunny had to be hurting even worse than that, and that’s all that really mattered right now.

“Let’s get you back to bed, yeah?” Kel shrugged his shoulders as Sunny offered a brisk nod. Kel held out his hand to support him and wrapped an arm around his shoulders—scrawny and practically drowning in his hospital gown. His fingers tensed. Kel could practically feel the bones of Sunny’s shoulder blades, his arms, and his ribs as he leaned against his side for support and eased back into his hospital bed. Since when was Sunny so scrawny—so frail? When was the last time he had eaten anything? “Do you want me to get you something to eat? I’ve heard hospital food is the worst, but I’m sure I can scrounge up something for you, maybe out of a vending machine or….” His voice trailed, scrambling to think of something, anything he could do, and Sunny merely shook his head.

“That’s okay. Thank you,” he quietly replied. Kel swallowed hard. There was something so sad in his expression.

“Listen, Sunny. Hero and Aubrey…they’re going to come back, okay? Hero is just…in the bathroom and uh…Aubrey...” He paused. “Well you know how she is—she probably just needed a minute to…you know…think about things. She does that sometimes…But she’ll be back. They’ll both come back.” His mouth twitched into a slight, reassuring smile, but whether he was reassuring himself or Sunny, he wasn’t entirely sure.

Sunny blinked at him. “I wouldn’t blame them if they didn’t.” The words were so callous, so matter-of-fact, but something panged inside Kel’s chest all the same.

“Don’t say things like that Sunny. Aubrey and Hero—they’re your friends. They’ll understand. They just probably needed some time to—” He stopped—unsure of what he could say, what he should say to make Sunny feel better. He finally decided on a long sigh and “It’s… it’s a lot to take in.”

Sunny nodded. He probably knew that better than anyone, Kel thought, after all he and Basil had shouldered the horrible truth alone all these years. Kel’s insides coiled and twisted at the thought. Why…why didn’t they tell us? But he wouldn’t think about that now. No, he couldn’t think of that now, not since Aubrey had quietly excused herself and Hero had muttered something about having to go to the bathroom and disappeared leaving Kel alone to pick up the pieces of a remorseful Sunny and a weepy Basil. He couldn’t bring himself to leave them alone—not when they needed him, but he didn’t mind it at all—that’s what friends were for, and truthfully, he was kind of grateful to have something tangible to do—anything to distract himself from that pain, that hurt and frustration gnawing at the pit of his stomach, prickling in the hollow spaces of his heart. He liked getting to play Mr. Fix-It for his friends’ problems—getting to be useful and helpful. He just wished he was better at it, so he wouldn’t have to watch helplessly as his friends suffered with a pain he couldn’t even begin to understand. He wouldn’t have to watch helplessly as the world crumbled…again.

Despite his vow he wouldn’t rest until his friends were all feeling okay again, having the resolve to fix a problem and actually knowing what to do, were two totally separate things. Kel should have known that by now.

Still, he stubbornly fumbled his way through reassurances and somewhat awkward pats on the back until Basil had finally calmed down and fallen asleep from emotional exhaustion. Sunny was trickier—harder to read and better at hiding his emotions. Kel could only prattle to fill the heavy silence—try his best to reassure Sunny everything was going to be alright, but even he could admit that the words felt cheap and empty.

It was times like these that he really missed Mari. She was so comforting, so reassuring. Kel had no doubt in his mind that she would know exactly what to say if she was here. But then again, if she was here this wouldn’t have been a problem in the first place.

Kel sighed. All he could do now was help Sunny back into his hospital bed—making sure he got enough rest and took care of himself. He wracked his brain for anything he could say that would make him feel better, but it was empty.

“Even if they’re upset right now, I don’t think it’s at you. I mean, Hero blamed himself for Mari’s death for such a long time, I’m sure he understands that…” Kel stopped. “And Aubrey’s just…mad at everything and everybody all the time. I don’t think it’s personal.”

Sunny nodded again, followed by a long, heavy pause and an extremely quiet, “And you?”

Kel swallowed hard. Something panged in his chest. His shoulders stiffened before he let out a light, awkward chuckle and waved his hand. “Oh, you don’t have to worry about me, Sunny. I just want you to feel better, okay? I know that’s what Hero and Aubrey want too. They just have some personal stuff to work through, too, but—” He stopped abruptly—thankful for the faint knock on the door that gave him reason to stop tripping over his words and, probably, making everything worse. A very sheepish Hero hovered almost awkwardly in the doorway.

“Sorry for interrupting. Can I come in?” he asked in a voice that was almost as quiet as Sunny’s. Sunny nodded and Hero shuffled his feet across the floor tiles—walking slowly, carefully to Sunny’s bedside.

“Are you okay?” asked Kel, and Hero nodded with the twitch of as reassuring a smile as he could probably muster.

“Yeah,” he said but his eyes were bloodshot red like he had been crying, and Kel figured he probably had been—he just hadn’t wanted anyone else to see. “How are you, Kel?”

Kel hummed and nodded, parroting the words “I’m fine” without a second thought. There was something so automatic about his response that he hadn’t even really considered the question.

Hero offered him a nod before turning to Sunny and asking him the same question only to be met with a slight shrug and another long, heavy pause.

Kel racked his brain for something—anything—to say. Maybe something else about vending machines? But Sunny’s quiet voice finally cut through the silence. “Hero…I’m sorry.”

Kel watched as tears caught in his brother’s long eyelashes. Hero sniffled—wiping the corner of his eyes on his sleeve, before he pulled Sunny into a tight hug. “I’m so sorry,” his voice hitched with a shaky inhale of breath. “I’m so sorry.” Sunny’s rigid arms relaxed and wrapped around Hero’s back as he continued, “It’s not your fault. I know that it feels like it is. Believe me, I kn—” Hero paused, cut off by a sorrowful, garbled sound from the back of his throat. “But it isn’t. What happened to Mari was a tragedy, a tragic accident. I know you would never want to hurt her, and no matter what happened, she wouldn’t want you to blame yourself.”

Kel could hear Sunny sniffle as he burrowed his face into Hero’s shoulder. He couldn’t be sure if he was crying. He supposed it was probably none of his business. With a sigh, Kel tilted his head almost in disbelief. Hero sorted out his own feelings, then swooped in with the save, as usual. He always knew what to do, what to say. If anything Kel was almost in awe of that. Whereas he had fumbled around awkwardly for what had felt like ages trying his best to cheer his friends up but probably making everything worse, it had taken Hero all of two minutes to say the perfect thing—now he and Sunny were hugging and crying, and Kel could only watch—fidgeting in place and feeling sorely inadequate, wanting to help but being unsure of what to do besides pass Sunny off to his brother’s very capable counsel and support.

“I’m…I’m gonna go get something to eat. I’ll be right back…” he mumbled, fidgeting with his hands and shifting his weight from one leg to the other. “Do you want anything?”

Sunny shook his head as Hero turned to look at him with teary eyes, “Oh, um…no thank you, Kel.” There was something in his face that said, ‘you don’t have to go,’ but Kel just shrugged. They didn’t have much use for him here. Sunny was in capable hands now, and he was grateful for that.

“I’ll probably just pick up a granola bar and a coffee—Orange Joe if they have it somewhere—it’s been a long night.”

“Aubrey said she was going to get food,” said Sunny so quietly Kel almost didn’t hear him. He tried to muster the most reassuring smile he could.

“That’s right. She’s probably still down in the cafeteria or something. I’ll check in on her and make sure she’s okay for you, how about that?”

Something sad passed across Hero’s face just then, and Kel knew he was thinking the same thing: there was no way Aubrey was in that cafeteria. They’d be lucky if she was still in Faraway Town, hiding out somewhere. Kel shrugged his shoulders and his mouth twitched in the corners to reassure Hero he’d try his best to find her and bring her back here. He was probably the last person she wanted to see right now, but at least this gave him something to do to make himself useful.

*-*-*

The hospital hallway was eerily quiet when Kel stepped out into it. He could hear someone over at the nurse’s station shuffling papers, and he tried to focus on that rather than sitting alone with his thoughts as he made his way down to the cafeteria. Even if Aubrey wasn’t there, he was still hungry and figured it would be better to look for her after he had had something to eat. He made a quick detour by Basil’s room and peeked through the door with a quick wave to Polly and a relieved smile finding Basil still fast asleep. Kel couldn’t imagine how much he needed that rest after everything that had had happened. If Kel was being honest, he could probably use a nap himself, but he would have to settle for some caffeine to keep him awake for the next couple of hours.

He took the elevator down to the basement—humming to himself, listing off places that Aubrey could be, and thinking about what kind of food he was hoping to get. When the doors opened and the hospital cafeteria smell wafted into the elevator, however, his stomach churned. That granola bar was sounding better and better.

Squish clip. The strange sound pulled Kel out of his thoughts. Squeak clop. His brow furrowed as he tried to place that oddly familiar sound echoing across the corridor. Squeak clip. Squish clop.

A little girl appeared pulling an older woman by the hand towards the elevator. Squish clip. Squeak clop. Her little purple rainboots were making the squeaking sound as she skipped down the hallway. Kel swallowed hard as something twisted in his chest. Mari. A long, long time ago, Mari had had little purple rainboots like that. They had made the same sound as they squeaked and squished across the tiles of their kitchen floor when she had rushed over to excitedly show them off to him and Hero. Kel remembered that it had been him who had suggested they all go jump in puddles together on the street and sidewalk outside their houses so that Mari could try out her new boots. Hero hadn’t been too sure about it—he was always worried about her slipping and falling when it was slick out on account of her bad knee, but since Mari loved the idea, it only took a few words of coaxing and encouragement from her to get Hero on board for it. A bittersweet smile tugged at Kel’s mouth as he waved at the lady and the girl in the rainboots as they passed him to board the elevator, and Kel glanced out the nearby glass doors to get a good look outside. It was cloudy and a little overcast. Maybe it had been raining a little earlier or maybe it would rain later or maybe that little girl just loved her rainboots so much she wanted to wear them everywhere. Maybe she was hoping for a rainy day. Mari had told him once that she sometimes hoped for rainy days—to make the flowers grow, she always insisted, and because rainy days can help a person really appreciate the sunny ones. She always said that the sun shined brighter after a rainy day. Kel’s chest panged. That was why she had loved them.

Kel stopped—his breath getting caught in that ache in his chest. He would give anything to have just one more rainy day with her—to jump in one more puddle together, to hear the squeaking of her rainboots across the tile floor. His hands curled into fists as his eyes burned. Mari… Is it…is it really true? What Sunny said about how you died…?

Kel pushed the thought away as best he could, but it lingered, gnawing at the back of his mind. When she had died, he had thought about her love of rainy days—wondering if she liked them because they were kind of sad, just like she was. Wondering if everything inside her was so dark and so stormy, with no jumping in puddles or drawing melting pictures with chalk on the wet pavement or jousting with umbrellas to brighten things up. He just hadn’t known how much she was hurting until it was too late, none of them had, and now—he took a shaky breath—now he didn’t know what to think.

It hadn’t rained the day she died. It hadn’t rained the day she had been buried either. But it had rained the first time he had visited her grave on his own, and the next and the next. Whenever it rained he could almost hear her teasing him that rainy days love company so she was glad that she got to spend her rainy days with him and Hero and their friends, and Kel couldn’t stand the idea of her having to spend all of their remaining rainy days alone.

He used to go on stormy walks in his rainboots, but he didn’t jump in puddles anymore. He used to sit under his umbrella, talking to her for hours about anything that popped into his head.

Mari, I got a C+ on my science test. I asked my mom to hang it up on the refrigerator. She says she will when I get a B-.

Mari, Hector learned a new trick this week. He can play dead, but I think he might have just wanted to take a nap.

Mari, my basketball team won our game today. I scored the winning shot from the three point line. My coach says I’m a natural and if I get any taller, I’ll go straight to Varsity when I start playing in high school.

Mari, I haven’t seen Sunny in a while. I hope he’s okay. Aubrey dyed her hair pink recently. Did you know? It looks pretty cool, but she’s hanging out with a bunch of hooligans now. I tried to ask Basil about it, but I think he’s been avoiding me or maybe he’s just busy with his garden.

Mari, I’m sorry that Hero hasn’t been to visit you. I think it makes him too sad. I’m starting to worry about him. I can hear him crying himself to sleep when he thinks I’m not listening, and he looks miserable all the time. I’m afraid he’s never going to smile again.

He had felt so stormy himself then. He may not have been as close to her as some of the others, but he still cared about her and still missed her, especially on rainy days. The last time he had visited her grave by himself had also been on a stormy day—dreary, damp, and overcast, exactly like Mari would’ve liked. He had forgotten his umbrella, but it didn’t matter.

Mari, sorry it’s been a while. I’ve been really busy with basketball. It’s been good and I have lots of new friends from the team, but I… it makes me miss my old friends sometimes too. I tried to keep everybody together for you, Mari, but I guess I just couldn’t do it. Sunny hasn’t left his house in years—I try to visit and to call him but he won’t talk to me. Neither will Basil. Aubrey’s a delinquent now and hates everyone, especially me, and Hero is so sad I don’t think he even remembers how to be happy. Without you, it feels like the whole world is falling apart—like you were the one holding it up. How’d you do it, Mari? How’d you hold up the world?

He had never gotten an answer to that question, and up until this week when he had gone to the cemetery with Sunny, he hadn’t been back to visit her. He told himself that he had to move on, that he couldn’t bear to sit in that sadness, in that hurt, any longer, and that Mari wouldn’t want him to. He said his goodbyes to her that day assuring her that he had made his peace with what happened, found healing and acceptance or whatever, and was trying his best to move forward, thinking it didn’t help anything to dwell in the past so he couldn’t come visit her anymore. And all of that was true, but there was always this sinking feeling in the back of his mind that maybe he was just ashamed to visit—ashamed that he couldn’t hold up the world like she could, that he couldn’t do anything to help the people he cared about most, that he couldn’t keep them together—that he couldn’t keep them together for her...

Kel’s chest tightened, but he took a long deep breath, shaking his head as if he could somehow shake his thoughts away with it. He decided he needed some air and headed outside through the nearby glass doors.

It wasn’t much of a garden—just some outdoor tables and chairs and some benches nestled in some nearby flowerbeds, but it was nice enough for a hospital. Basil would have liked it and could have probably told him the names of every flower and plant in it. Maybe he’d try to get a picture to show him when he woke up. As he fumbled around in his pocket for his phone, he caught sight of a long wave of pink hair.

No, he thought. Couldn’t be. Surely Aubrey was miles away by now. But there was no mistake—even with her back to him, he’d know that pink hair and blue headband anywhere.

Curiously he approached her with a cautious, “Hey…Aubrey…?”

She tensed as she whipped around to face him, and she frowned, almost glaring at him though her puffy red eyes and the tracks of her tears on her face were evidence enough that she was far more hurt than angry. Something panged in Kel’s chest. Seeing a friend cry had to be one of the worst things in the world, but knowing there was nothing that could make them happy again was even worse.

“Aubrey are you—?” he began, reaching out his hand to her, but she turned away from him abruptly, swiping at her face. He stopped and changed directions. “You’re still here…”

She shrugged her shoulders but wouldn’t look at him. “So?”

“So I thought you left already.”

She huffed, and Kel was sure she was about to start arguing with him, but she just sighed. “I thought about it, but I didn’t want to go too far in case something happened…And then I ran into these…”—Aubrey motioned the cluster of flowers to the side of the bench she was sitting on—“It’s like Mari didn’t want me to go.”

Ignoring the ache in his chest, Kel tilted his head. “What are they?” he asked though he could probably guess the answer.

“Lilies…her favorite.”

Kel swallowed hard, but he pushed his feelings aside. He changed the subject. “Basil would probably tell us lots of fun facts about them if he was here. He knows a lot about all kinds of flowers.” He paused. “Sunny and Basil are okay, by the way.”

“Good,” answered Aubrey though her voice was distant, detached.

“Hero is with Sunny right now—they’re having an important talk or at least they were went I left them, and Basil finally fell asleep. Then I came to look for you.”

Aubrey huffed and jerked away from him abruptly, crossing her arms. “Why? What do you want, Kel?”

The question caught him off guard. He wasn’t sure he had an answer to it. “Well…uh…Sunny was worried…”

“Are you here to tell me off?” Her whole body seemed to tense up almost defensively. There was vitriol behind her words, but it was cold, icy not the usual fire he had come to expect of the girl who picked a fight with him with a nail bat. It threw him off guard. He almost wished she’d just yell. “Tell me I’m an ass for being so angry and for leaving when everyone needed me?”

“I wasn’t going to—”

“Save it,” she interrupted with a bitter scoff. “It’s what you’re thinking isn’t it?”

Kel sighed. He wasn’t sure what to think anymore.

“Just leave me alone, Kel,” she snapped though her voice sounded tired and weary.

Kel’s brow furrowed. He wasn’t sure what he was expecting—perhaps a little more of Aubrey the hotblooded hooligan and less of this bitingly icy, seething anger. Kel’s insides twisted, she seemed so…wounded.

He sighed, pushing the thought away. Regardless, she was still Aubrey so she was probably still ticked off.

“Look I know I’m the last person you want to see right now, but—”

“You’re right. You are the last person I want to see right now.”

Kel frowned. “Aubrey, however angry you are at me right now…we can work that out later. Right now, Sunny is worried about you, and it would mean a lot to him if you’d come back in.”

“This has nothing to do with you, Kel.”

“Okay…” he stumbled. “Then come back inside with me and—”

“You don’t understand,” Aubrey huffed in a weary, exasperation. “I’m not like you. I care about Sunny and Basil, but I just…I can’t stop myself from feeling angry. And maybe that makes me a bad person, I don’t know, but if I go back in there, I know I’ll just say something I’ll regret later. It’s better for everyone if I just stay away for a while—especially from Sunny.”

“Are you…are you angry at Sunny?”

“I don’t know how I feel. It’s complicated.”

Something twisted inside of Kel, and his heart pounded. “You can’t just take this out on Sunny,” he interjected, far more forcefully than he intended, but thinking of that sorrowful look on Sunny’s face—the pain behind his eyes when he had said he wouldn’t blame them if they never came back… the words stared tumbling out of his mouth without a second thought though if Kel was being perfectly honest, he wasn’t sure if the message was entirely for Aubrey. “It’s not his fault. It was an accident. He doesn’t deserve it—especially since it probably took everything he had to finally tell us the truth!”

“Don’t you think I know that?” snapped Aubrey standing up from her seat. “What do you think I was just going to lash out at him—yell in his face or something when he’s already so broken? You think I’m capable of something that heartless?”

“I don’t know what you’re capable of, Aubrey. You picked a fight with us in a church with a nail bat and pushed Basil into a lake,” he spat blunt, thoughtless words back at her, the emotional temperature palpably rising. “You’re so busy being angry at everything and everybody that maybe you just don’t give a damn about your friends anymore.”

A mix of something pained and indignant passed across Aubrey’s face. Tears welled up in her eyes, and Kel wished he could shove his words back into his mouth so she wouldn’t look so broken. “Fine. I’m the asshole who gets mad at her friends for things that aren’t even their fault. Is that what you want to hear, Kel? You want an award for being a better person than me? For always forgiving your friends, for never getting angry or upset? For moving on from Mari’s death right away? Well congratulations: everything’s always peachy in Kel World”—her words dripped with a biting sarcasm— “But maybe if you weren’t so shallow, it wouldn’t be.”

The words cut through Kel. She might as well have just smacked him. It probably would have hurt less. “Is that really what you think about me?” he asked in stunned disbelief. “That I’m not upset—that I never get upset? You think I’m not confused and hurt and frustrated by all this?” His heart pounded—indignant frustration rising in his chest. “Just because my feelings aren’t as deep as yours, doesn’t mean I don’t have them. I just happen to think my friends are more important than my feelings.” The words were far more forceful than he had been intending.

“It’s not that simple Kel. You want to make blanket statements like friends will always win out over feelings, but it doesn’t always work like that. Sunny and Basil are our friends, but Mari was our friend too and I cared about her—I miss her.” Aubrey threw up her hands in frustration, her face twisting as if she was trying to will herself not to start crying in front of him. “I don’t know how to process the fact that her death was avoidable and that our friends lied to us about the truth for years. Even if I understand why they did it, I still feel hurt—feel angry about the whole thing. And yeah maybe that makes me a jerk, but it’s just the way it is. I can’t just pretend like everything’s fine like you. I don’t understand how you can stand there and act like there’s nothing wrong here!”

She stood up to her full height and glared up at him. He hadn’t really realized how much taller he was than her until she marched over squarely in front of him, glowering up at his face—over a head taller than her. Kel fidgeted. He could tell she was furious—seething with frustration, but he couldn’t stop looking at her eyes and the deep, stormy sadness in them. She was more hurt than angry. There was no doubt about that, and the tears that caught in the corners of her eyes and in between her eyelashes made his chest tighten. He jerked away from her—focusing instead on her gritted teeth and her clenched fists and begging himself to ignore that feeling of helplessness creeping into the hollow spaces of his chest, gnawing at his brain to think of something, anything that would make this all end.

“What do you want from me, Aubrey? Do you want me to say that this whole situation is sucky? Because it is—it’s sucky! I just don’t see the point in sitting around and stewing over how awful everything is—just sitting here in that sadness. And yeah, okay, maybe that makes me shallow, but at least it doesn’t make me selfish.”

The words tumbled out of his mouth before he could stop them. As his hands began to tremble, he could feel the anger welling up inside his aching chest and boiling over. He had no choice but to continue. “When Mari died, someone had to keep their shit together. Sunny wouldn’t leave his house. Basil’s anxiety destroyed him. You started terrorizing the neighborhood, and Hero cried so much I could have sworn he was never going to smile again. So that left me—and yeah, maybe I don’t feel as deeply as you guys. I missed Mari and I was sad, but I worked through that on my own and tried my best to keep it together, to keep everything and everybody together just like Mari used to do.” He paused inhaling sharply, his voice wavering. “I just wanted to keep everyone together for her, but I couldn’t—I wasn’t…”

His words got garbled and jumbled as his voice hitched, and his chest tightened. He found it difficult to breathe. He had been so close, so close to bringing everyone back together only for everything to fall apart again. How’d you do it, Mari? How’d you hold up the world?

“I’m not Mari,” he admitted in a shaky voice that almost didn’t sound like his. “She could hold up the world. Without her everything just crumbled and went to hell, and no matter how hard I tried I just couldn’t...I just wasn’t strong enough to...”—he swallowed hard—“I couldn’t save her. Couldn’t save Basil and Sunny from suffering and carrying this horrible secret alone. Couldn’t save you from becoming a hoodlum. Couldn’t save Hero from blaming himself for everything. Couldn’t save our friendship from completely falling apart. And now…to know that it was all some tragic accident—that so much of that pain and suffering could have been avoided—” He stopped abruptly, his face wrinkling and his stomach coiling as he tried his best to will back the frustrated, helpless tears he felt prickling behind his eyes. He clinched his fist. “Yeah, I’m frustrated,” he admitted, but quickly added, “but not at Basil and not at Sunny…at the situation. At the fact that this all happened the way it did, when it never had to. I’m upset that Mari had to die. That Hero cried himself to sleep every night for months thinking it was all his fault. That Sunny and Basil had to shoulder the truth alone—that they felt like they couldn’t tell us. That you’re sitting here crying in the hospital garden right now. That you’re hurting—that Hero’s hurting, and Sunny and Basil are hurting, and there’s nothing I can do to help. But you know what, Aubrey, mostly I’m just mad at myself because I’m just useless. I can’t even keep us all together. I couldn’t make us stay friends. I couldn’t…I can’t do anything to stop the world from falling apart. I can’t hold up the world!”

Kel’s eyes burned. His throat grew suddenly dry and parched. He choked on the words he desperately wanted to say. Mari, I’m sorry…I just couldn’t do it without you.

Instead, he snapped as his vision grew blurry and his voice cracked, “Is that what you want to hear, Aubrey? Does that make you feel better? You’re not the worst one here.”

Aubrey just blinked at him, tears pooling in her eyes. She bit her lip, and Kel was sure she was about to yell at him, tell him to shove it and storm off. As she practically lunged forward, he braced himself for the worst, but she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, buried her face in his chest and started to cry. He would be the first to admit that it stunned him much more than if she had just picked a fight with him.

“Uh…uh…” he stammered as he stumbled backward in surprised. “Aubrey…what are you…?”

She stiffened and started to pull away. “Sorry. Do you not want me to…?” Her voice trailed, and Kel cut her off wrapping his arm around her and pulling her back into their hug.

“No, I…I was just surprised is all…” he answered as she pressed her chin to his shoulder. “Just…why…are you…?”

“You’re not the only one who doesn’t like it when their friends cry, you know?”

Kel paused, and his brow furrowed. Cry? He reached up his hand and felt the tear which had finally struggled free from his left eye. He cursed under his breath.

“Sorry about that, Aubrey,” he stumbled apologetically as his cheeks burned. “I didn’t mean to dump on you like that or make this about me…We can just forget about the whole thing…”

“No, I’m sorry. I was being unfair to you.” She sighed with a slight tilt of her head as she pulled away to meet his eyes. Her eyes were so teary and bloodshot that his chest ached and twisted, so he really had made things worse. He was about to apologize again, but she cut him off, “Honestly, I’m actually really glad you told me. It’s nice to know that you’re human.” Her mouth twitched into a bittersweet smile.

“Yeah,” he teased with a shaky chuckle. “I’m just like you.”

Aubrey chuckled lightly, but she shook her head. “You’ve always been better than me, Kel. You never gave up on us—even when we gave up on ourselves, and you brought us all back together again. That’s something only you could do…”

“You…you really think so?” he asked, his cheeks growing suddenly warm. Aubrey nodded.

“It’s pretty amazing that anyone was able to do it,” she quipped before her face softened. “And look, I know it’s probably not my place to say, but I don’t think Mari would want you to try to be anything but Kel. She wouldn’t want you to try to be her—just like she wouldn’t want Basil or Sunny to blame themselves for what happened. And I think she’d be really grateful because thanks to you Sunny and Basil were able to finally tell us the truth and they won’t have to carry that alone anymore, and you…” she shuffled her feet and stared off over his shoulder. “Mari wouldn’t want you to carry anything alone anymore either, so…if you ever want to talk...”

Kel let out a long deep breath and sheepishly scratched the back of his neck. “I don’t know, Aubrey. I think I’d rather just stick to the positive stuff. I feel kind of guilty dumping all that negativity on someone else.”

“It can be…hard to keep all that bottled up inside sometimes though…” Aubrey fidgeted, staring at the ground. “And I’m the last person who will ever judge you for feeling angry or upset…so if you ever…” Her voice trailed, but she added hurriedly, with a dismissive shrug of her shoulders. “I understand if you don’t want to talk to me though. I’m—”

“No, I…” His face softened. “That would be nice.” His mouth twitched into a smile. “But you’ve just…you’ve got to be patient with me. I’m new to all this talking about my bad feelings stuff or…talking about any of this feelings stuff, I guess,” he teased with a chuckle. A smile tugged at the corners of Aubrey’s mouth, and Kel grinned at her.

“I got you to smile again,” he declared triumphantly. “I’m glad.”

Aubrey blinked at him. “Are you about to tell me that this was all some elaborate ploy to make me happy again?”

“Heck no, I’m not smart enough for that,” he laughed. His smile widened when Aubrey joined in with a breathy chuckle of her own.

Without even thinking, he wrapped his arms around a very surprised Aubrey and pulled her into another tight hug. “Aubrey,” he murmured, the grateful words reverberating in his chest. “Thank you…”

He could feel Aubrey’s tense shoulders relax as she pressed her chin to his shoulder once again, and he could have sworn he heard her whisper, “You don’t have to hold up the world all by yourself…”

*-*-*

Epilogue:

“I’m sorry, Sunny, and I’m sorry, Basil. I’m back now,” said Aubrey apologetically as she walked over to Basil’s bedside and joined the group hug they were sharing with Hero.

“It’s okay,” insisted Basil, and Sunny nodded in agreement as they each wrapped an arm around her.

“You have nothing to apologize for.”

A smile twitched in the corners of Kel’s mouth as he heard Aubrey’s breath hitch—relieved and, dare he even hope, happy. She glanced over her shoulder with tears glistening in the corners of her eyes as she and Hero both motioned for Kel to join their group hug. He didn’t need to be asked twice.

“Alright! Group hug!” he exclaimed as he enthusiastically pulled his friends close. Shutting his eyes tightly, the warm glow of a smile beamed across his face, as he thought of his friends—together again at long last.

When he finally opened his eyes, he noticed a ray of sunlight peeking through the clouds and shining onto the tile floor of Basil’s room. Kel could have sworn he had never seen sunlight so bright. A bittersweet ache panged in his chest, but he smiled. Maybe Mari was right, and the sun really did shine brighter after a rainy day.

Kel’s expression softened as he wrapped his arms even more tightly around his friends’ shoulders with the knowledge that he would never, ever let them go again, and he felt the words like a warm glow in his heart, We did it, Mari…

#omori kel #omori mari #omori aubrey #kelbrey #omori baseball #omori fanfiction #omori baseball bat #cries about omori #why am i like this #send help #omori spoilers #thank you for reading!

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sundrop-writes · 2 months

Note

Hey I just tried to check out your ao3 and I can’t find your work?

Hi! This might be for a few different reasons.

One - if you are looking for me in searches (like, if you're looking for my work among other Spencer Reid x Reader fics in the tags) - then you might be looking at the wrong username. My AO3 username is pinkchubbiebunnie.

Second - my AO3 account is archive locked. This means that my works can only be seen by people who have an AO3 account. This helps to prevent scraping by bots that contribute to my work being farmed and put into AI systems to 'train' them. So if you don't have an account and you're looking for my works - you won't see them.

It is unfortunate that this restricts people without an account from seeing my older fics that haven't been reposted on Tumblr yet, but it is the case of AI ruining some things for everyone. But I have promised that I will never pull my fics off the internet completely, no matter what.

"But Sunny, I have an AO3 account and I still can't find your work/I can't see your stuff when I click on the AO3 links!"

Three - make sure that you are logged into your account. I have several AO3 links on my Tumblr, some that just generally lead to my account, and some on different masterlists that lead to specific works - and Tumblr will follow that link either in your phone's default browser, or in the browser that the link originated from (most likely google chrome, which is what I primarily use). If you primarily use Firefox for AO3, then you won't be logged in to where the link opens, and it will still read as the link being opened by a non-AO3 user, and therefore - you will be archive locked out.

So - make sure you're logged in, or if you're looking for a specific fic, I can send you the url in DMs in order for you to copy/paste it in your preferred browser. And that usually works out fine <3

#anonymous #sundrop answers #random #faq

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hinasblogg · 1 year

Text

Go for it, Aoi!

I DO NOT WISH FOR MY CONTENT TO BE TRANSLATED, REDONE OR REPOSTED IN ANYWAY. DO NOT REPOST WITH #MINE OR YOU WILL BE BLOCKED.

🌸❤️

Pairing;

Aoi Asahina (Little age 2)

Sakura Ogami (CG)

Kyoko Kirigiri

Clesetia Ludenburg

Content Warnings?; Attempting to force away regression, description of diapers, no wetting, of course not sexual, but it could make some uncomfortable.

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I've stared uploading these to my AO3 account so go check that out if you want to see some stuff I've never posted on there and get more frequently updated on this story. The @ is Cupheadshipsrlife. Anyways, enjoy!

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Sakura always woke up early. She liked watching the sun rise as she drank her protein coffee from her favorite mug. It was a time where she could charge for the day, before Aoi woke up. Today, was the exact same. She walked quietly from the door of her and Aoi's shared dorms, and trotted down the steps. As usual, there was nobody in the common area, or the kitchen. She grabbed a few things they would need for the dorm and walked back, just intime for Aoi to pop her small head from under the covers.

Her hair was bunched together under a sleeping cap, and her eyes were just barley open, trying to adjust to the partly sunny room. She waved at Sakura, groggily hopping over to her.

"Mornin'.."

"Good morning, Aoi. Did you sleep well?"

"Mhm..slept good."

Sakura nodded happily, setting the things she got from the kitchen down in their own. Aoi walked in after her, still stretching and yawning, looking through the fridge.

"M hubgry.."

She mumbled, trying to decide what to eat.

Aoi liked to be independent and do things on her own, considering she was one of the shorter girls in her class. Every now and again, the pressure of working hard to achieve her sports and social goals got to be too much, and she slipped into a very dependent mindset. She attempted to shake the looming temptation of slipping into that space and being taken care of for a day or two, under the threat of being needy.

Sakura wasn't blind to this, picking up on it soon after she came home last night to Aoi curled up on the bed. Snapping back from her thoughts Sakura spoke up.

"Would you like some fruit? I got the kind you like."

"Mm? Oh, yes plwease.."

"Alright, then."

Sakura got out a cutting board and started to cut the bananas into small pieces, chucking them into a beat by bowl. Aoi watched, trying to spit up the courage to say she could do it herself. She knew she wanted Sakura to do it though..maybe, it'll be fine. She can stave off slipping after this.

"Why don't you get dressed? Or would you rather me help you pick out an outfit after breakfast?"

"Oh, uh-...I'd like to get dressed afterwards."

This was babyish! Sakura just has good style. Besides, she liked to watch TV while she eats her food! Not babyish at all. Sakura finished cutting the fruit, and brought the bowl out. She stuck a few animal fruit picks into the fruit, smiling as she gently put it on the bedside table. Sakura clicked the TV on, remember Aoi's preferences.

"What would you like to watch? Cartoons, sports news, the cooking channels?"

"Oh, I'll watch the sports news!"

Aoi declared, choosing the most grown up choice. She eat her fruit, sightly wishing she had chose cartoons. Maybe it's not too late to choose it? No, that's baby-ish! She's a big girl. Sakura sat peacefully, drinking her protein coffee, humming at the news. Sakura's favorite swimming team had won the statewide competition. Aoi smiled, watching the swimmers smile and cheer together. They looked so happy, unlike Aoi. She was just miserable, by her own doing.

She finished her own food and got up, putting her dish in the sink. Sakura looked up and smiled, walking into the small room where they kept their clothes.

"Would you like to wear your princess outfit or your fairy outfit?"

"..can I wear something..more grown up?"

"Oh, of course. Would you like to wear a sundress? Or maybe a jumpsuit? The red one looks nice on you."

"I'll do that then! I'll wear a jumpsuit."

Sakura nodded, her face slowly riddled with wrinkles of worry. She handed Aoi the jumpsuit and walked back into the kitchen. Was Aoi keeping something from her? It was clear that she was somewhat regressed, but she wouldn't admit it for some reason. Maybe she's shy?

Aoi walked out and gave a forced smile, sitting back on the bed. She looked back at the news and pretended to be interested. Her eyes wandered to the window, looking at the clouds storming. Sakura looked back at her and sat down next to her.

"Are you okay, Aoi?"

"Hm..? I'm fine!"

"You look like you're keeping something from me. You can tell me anything, Hina."

"...I know."

"Then what's tugging at you?"

"...I'm just trying to be a big girl, so I'm not annoying."

"Hina, you're not annoying, darling. I enjoy your company when you're big and when you're little."

Hina's face beamed as she buried her face into Sakuras chest as she gave her a huge hug. Sakura picked her up and carried her into their small closet room, and sat her on the huge cushion chair.

"Do you want to change your clothes? Or do you like your jumpsuit?"

"I wanna wear my pwincess dwess please!"

Sakura smiled, and pulled a pink shirt with a crown and a frilly skirt. Sakura and Aoi had agreed in the past that she needed a little help staying dry during the day, so they had gotten a few diapers. Sakura picked one up and sat it in the arm of the chair and let Aoi get dressed herself.

Aoi slipped on her clothes and hopped out, smiling. She clapped her hands together and hugged Sakura. Sakura held her up on her hip and walked to the kitchen and filled a bottle with a some almond milk, the only kind Aoi would drink, and put it into a small bag with a couple of snacks.

"Where we goin' mama?"

"To the common area. We're going to play with Kirigiri and Clesetia."

"Ooh!! Yay!"

Sakura smiled as she hoisted the bag over her other shoulder, placing Aoi on the floor and holding her hand. They walked out the door and slowly went down the stairs, sitting in the common area. Kirigiri was sat in the couch with Clesetia, as they spoke together. They looked up and smiled at the pair, inviting them to sit down.

Kyoko looked over and smiled at her pink outfit, patting the seat next to her. Aoi sat down next to Kyoko, drinking the milk from her bottle.

"You look cute, Aoi. Doesn't she Clesetia?"

"She does, like a princess."

"Thank ywou!"

Sakura smiled, and thanked the girls, sitting down next to Clestia.

"Aoi got so excited when she heard we were coming over."

"Ya! M favorite aunties!"

Kyoko smiled, and gave Aoi a small kiss on her forehead.

"You're my favorite little princess, Aoi."

"As you are mine, darling."

Celeste chimed in, smiling.

Aoi giggled, kicking her legs and clapping. Sakura gave her a pat on the head, looking up to Kyoko.

"Did you know Japan's swim team won today?"

"Oh, I heard about that! I was rooting for them."

"Oh, Kyoko, you're into sports?"

"Mhm! From watching you and Aoi train so hard I got inspired to start watching."

"As did I. We're anticipating watching you all play soon."

"Yay!! Imma do real real good to impress ywou!"

Kyoko smiled, and stroked Aoi's hair.

"I know that you'll do amazing, Both of you."

Sakura looked up at the clock and gasped at the time. She looked down at Aoi, rubbing her eyes, trying her best not to look tired.

"I think we should head back upstairs for a nap. Than you girls for the encouragement."

"Of course, Ogami. I do hope we'll see you at dinner?"

"Mhm, I'll make sure of it."

With that, the girls waved goodbye to Aoi and Sakura, as they walked back up the stairs to their dorm. Aoi sleepily crawled onto the bed, and buried her head in a pillow.

"Have a nice nap, little one."

"Luv you, mama."

"..I love you too."

#danganronpa #danganronpa agere #Danganrompa thh #dr1 #aoi asahina #sakura ogami #aoi x sakura #kyoko kirigiri #dr1 celestia #kirigiri x Celestia #sfw babyre #age regression #agere #agere positivity #agere blog

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jacksdinonuggets · 7 months

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I'm pretty proud of this work so imma repost it here. It's on my Ao3 and wattpad.

Anyways, Amity ends up slipping really small from repressing her little side. Luckily she has friends that will help.

Takes place in season one. But quick warning, there is mentions of 'protection' in this. It is SFW!! I'm trying to include it a little bit more so no part of the agere community will feel left out. Also I've been like, somewhat interested in trying them. I probably won't get them though.

ANYWAYS, here's the story

Really Small

It was a semi-sunny day out. Lots of people were outside and enjoying the somewhat chilly weather. Unfortunately, there was one person who did not want to enjoy this weather. Her name was Amity. She was always stuck inside studying or reading. Being the perfect student had its expectations. And those expectations made her want to be the best at everything without taking breaks. It had been a month or two since she last took a little break. She needed to but refused.

However, Luz decided that she needed to get out. So she made Amity meet her at the market so they could goof around or something. Amity never really saw the purpose of meeting up with someone and not having an activity planned. But she begrudgingly did so.

As she walked towards the market, she couldn’t help but feel a slight uneasiness. It wasn’t anything big, just a weird feeling. It felt more like a childish impulse than something bad. However, she pushed that feeling down and continued on with her day.

When she finally got to the market, it was loud and crowded. The feeling she felt before kept coming back. She pushed it down more in order to not embarrass herself in public. Was it because she hadn’t regressed in a while? She didn’t know. Her coping mechanism was something she often refused to do in order to get things done.

She looked down at her map and realized that she was still far away from where Luz told her to meet up at. Groaning slightly, she put it away and continued her journey to her friend.

As she walked, she passed by more booths that advertised stuff. She was too focused on one and accidentally bumped into someone. She fell on her bottom when she crashed into them.

“Watch where you’re going!” The person rudely remarked. They turned around and Amity got a good look at who they were. It was none other than Boscha, her former friend. AKA the asshole. Well, Amity used to be an asshole but at least she changed! Boscha just got more jerk-like.

“Why do you look like you’re about to cry? Did that human make you sensitive? I knew she was a bad influence,” Boscha said in a snarky voice.

“Hey! She’s not a bad influence! And I’m not sensitive! My face just so happens to look depressed today!” Amity retorted, trying to get back up again.

“You don’t look depressed, you look like a baby who’s gotten their candy stolen,” Boscha said before lightly kicking Amity back down. This made her face go red with anger and humility. Her eyes felt glossy and wet.

“Ugh, You’re so weird. I don’t understand how anyone can like you now,” Boscha insulted her in an obnoxious voice.

“I don’t have time for weaklings like you,” said Boscha before walking away, leaving Amity alone on the market floor.

Amity whimpered, still sitting on the dirty floor of the market. She pushed her little side down even more and tried to continue on without making a big deal about a simple insult. But Just from Boscha’s comment, she felt hated. As if her existence was worthless. Boscha always knew how to get under Amity’s skin

She kept on walking, refusing to let her childish impulses in. While she passed multiple booths, and saw all the people and families, she began feeling a sense of loneliness. It was unexplainable. It was like she was homesick but for a caregiver. Her throat and vocal chords kept trying to whimper. She didn’t know why she was feeling this way. Its like everything was too much.

Finally, after what felt like forever, she saw Luz waiting for her by a bench. When the latina saw the green-haired witch, she jumped up and ran in for a hug.

“Amity! I was wondering if you were going to show up!” She admitted, bringing the girl into an embrace. Unfortunately, she didn’t realize how much that hug had impacted Amity.

When Amity felt the warmth and love coming from Luz’s hug, something inside her snapped. As if a strand of a string broke. Thats when the waterfall came. The tears came out uncontrollably. She leaned heavily on her friend and hugged her tight. The weight of everything and pushing her coping mechanism back, made her involuntarily slip. She had no control of it.

When Luz felt something wet drip onto her shoulder, she immediately knew something was wrong. However, she didn't want to interrupt her friend's crying sesh. So she lifted her up and carried her into Eda's tent nearby.

Once they were out of sight in the darkish fort, Amity clung to Luz and started to wail and bawl more than a sob. Luz sat her down on her lap and rocked her gently back and forth, trying to calm the little down.

Eda peeked in with a concerned look on her face. She had seen Luz rush into the tent with her upset friend in her arms.

"Is baby blight okay?" King asked, popping out from Eda's hair. Amity had started to calm down a bit because she seemed to be getting quieter.

"I don't think so," Luz answered back.

But then Amity babbled something that no one could understand.

"Do you want Eda and King to leave?" Luz asked her, guessing that was what she was saying. However she shook her head.

So Eda quickly packed her table up (so no one would bother them) and sat inside with the kids.

After what felt like an eternity of back rubs, rocking, group hugging, and kind words encouraging her, Amity had stopped crying and only made small whimpers now and then.

"Hey, cariño. How old do you feel right now?" Luz asked. She knew exactly what was going on since she was a flip. Amity was probably overwhelmed and regressed or something along those lines. So right when Amity started to act abnormal and younger, she knew what was going on.

The green-haired girl held up 1 finger but then 2 and 1 again. She babbled an,

"I 'unno!"

Luckily for her, Eda was very educated in age regression and even had a small room in the owl house for regressors. It was only available for Littles who were close to her though like Luz, Raine, and Lilith.

“Thank you, sweetie. Would you be okay if we moved to somewhere more comfortable?” Eda prompted. She wanted Amity to be able to regress in a safer, more private, place. She knew how scared Raine would get when they started to slip in public.

Amity, feeling semi-verbal, just nodded, still clinging tightly to Luz’s shirt as Luz lifted her up. When the got outside of the tent, Eda picked it all up with her magic and put it all in her hair. Then she got out owlbert so they could fly home.

Amity was practically super glued to Luz during the whole ride. Since she wasn’t in a palisman seat, she felt really unsafe during the flight and was holding on tight.

Once they got to the owl house, Luz carried Amity to the Little Room while Eda made her a sippy cup of warm diary-free milk. She was glad she had the portal so she could easily get stuff for free. The Little items on the boiling isles were a bit more expensive than the ones in the human realm.

When Luz carried Amity into the Little Room, she sat her down on the bed with sides before grabbing some things. When she got out an adult pull-up, Amity flushed and whined.

“Why do i ‘eed dat?” she complained. She could be a big girl! She was pretty sure she was potty trained! That was still something, right? she was feeling 1-2, so it was normal.

“its just in case you forget you need to go, or have an accident. We also don’t know how well you’ll be able to communicate your needs. And they might be comforting. Don’t be embarrassed though. I use night time pads when I feel small!” Luz reassured her. Luz was a flip and sometimes slipped really small, so she knew what it was like. She just hoped that there weren’t any kinks in the isles. It really pissed her off when people thought these little items were nsfw related. She hoped Amity didn’t know about any of that stuff. It can traumatize a kid.

“O-otay…” Amity answered.

Luz helped her get changed into more comfy little clothes and gave her a pacifier and clipped it to her onesie. Amity didn’t seem too tired so she let her down to play with some of the toys in the chest. When she was playing with a couple blocks on the foam puzzle floor next to the toy chest, Eda came in with the sippy. Amity seemed to be really thirsty because she made grabby hands for it when she saw her. Eda smiled at the cute antics and was glad that Baby Blight was feeling better.

After Eda gave Amity the sippy cup, she sat down next to her and pulled out a book from her hair. Amity saw it as a cool magic trick and clapped her hands together, giggling.

“Do you want a story, little one?” she asked. Amity nodded and curled up in Eda’s chest. Luz was smiling and crying because of the adorableness.

Eda just glared at her student before beginning the story. While listening to the book, Amity drank the warm milk from her sippy. It started to make her feel tired. Eventually she ended up falling asleep in Eda’s lap. Luz took a couple pictures with her phone before Eda tucked the girl into the bed. Amity clung to Eda’s arm though. So with Luz’s quick thinking, she indiana jones’ed Eda’s arm with a stuffy. Amity curled up with her knees and stuffy to her chest and suckled on her pacifier peacefully as Luz and Eda shut the lights off, plugged in the night light, and left the girl to sleep.

#age regression #safe agere #sfw agere #the owl house #toh agere #amity blight #the owl house age regression #agere fanfic #little amity #cg eda #cg Luz #agere writing #toh age regression #age regression fic #sfw cglre #sfw agere pull ups

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axl-ul · 9 months

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The Flight of the Western Crane: Chapter Twelve

(A reupload/repost of my fic/dark retellingof Journey tot he West because the whole AO3 site, where I originally posted this, got taken down for now)

(General info about this fic/wip/retelling is here)

****

The heat flew inside the vast chamber whose thin walls were inlaid with webs of such warm gold that even the sun would be embarrassed once its mute eye would peek there. The swelter pushing through the low hanging windows covered by shutters became unbearable yet none of the people, who were sitting on the three moderate-sized bamboo beds, made a move to open them. Their silhouettes petrified in anticipation of what was about to happen next.

Sanzang was the only one furiously pacing up and down the whole length of the room. Skin on his bald head was shiny from sweat and it reddened so much he slowly began to resemble a lobster in boiling water. His eyes, usually as calm as fish in a fresh pool on a sunny spring day, were ferociously gnawing at the eldest disciple, “What did I say? What did we agree on, Wukong? Wuneng, this applies to you, as well. No fighting. No collisions. No troubles. But look at what happened!“

“Shifu, please, calm down. Sit with us, have this delicious cup of tea and relax,“ Bajie hugged the monk around the shoulders and guided the young man between him and Mei. “Sit with us on this terribly hot day. I can assure you that neither Brother Wukong nor I planned on creating such a ruckus.“

“Shifu,“ the Friar Sand took off from his seat on the opposite bed and knelt,“my seniors didn’t think much ahead. Out of all people you ought to know this best. Please, forgive them and stop shouting so much. Your voice might get damaged and somebody is going to hear you. Shifu, please, listen to my plea and forgive my brothers because they only meant the best and by the unfortunate circumstances they dug too deep.“ Ol’ Sha’s lips had been trembling like leaves on a tree in autumn until he finished with a humble bow.

The demon was such a sore sight Sanzang couldn’t bear to look at him any longer. “Wujing, I’m not angry. I am simply,“ trying to find the right word which described the twitching inside his guts the best, the monk settled down on his usual choice,“disappointed. You dive in head first despite me telling you otherwise. Do you even listen to me? Or are my lectures and hopes of you three becoming honest people and model monks just a tick on your list of things you need to present in case Bodhisattva Guanyin comes to inspect?!“

Sanzang looked daggers at the disciples, mainly on Wukong who as the only one didn’t drop his eyes. The demon didn’t move a muscle, his breaths were so shallow they were almost non-existent. He was like a silent vulcano waiting for the next explosion of seething anger. However, Wukong was more patient than he’d ever been before as the simian was truly trying his best to calm himself down and not to pay attention to his Master’s enraged screech.

“Venerable monk, if I may I’d like to point out that your disciples are valiant men. They saved me and my advisor. I doubt the snakes would leave us unharmed. Brother Bajie was protecting us with his own body and he even got me out of the room as quickly as possible.“ Bajie blushed from hearing such a praise, nobody seemed to notice him, though. “He was the one to bring me to the safety of this room and made sure I had enough food and peace to recover from the awful incident.“

“Brother Wukong fought magnificently and didn’t let the intruders get closer to Her Highness and Brother Bajie,“ Márgerdra joined as well. “His extraordinary skills did not only come in handy, he also showed his devotion to your cause and purpose.“

Such a remark took Sanzang aback,“What sort of dedication are you talking about, Lady Wolf Witch?“

Knowing well where this was leading to, Wukong’s eyes popped out. Behind Sanzang’s back, he was frantically gesturing to the witch to hold her tongue. The woman, although she immediately understood the message behind the agitated hinting, decided on her own and kept on ignoring the Great Sage while she explained,“You see, venerable Master, the place we were at is a bathhouse. Naturally, Her Highness and I had to strip off a…majority of our clothes in order to clean ourselves. Yet, not the Eight Rules nor the Great Sage,“ she offered both demons a meaningful look,“took advantage of it. They behaved like true gentlemen.“

Bajie sensed the woman lied on purpose on his behalf and so, in his own embarrassment and with the temperature of his forehead rising, he joined in praising the immortal monkey,“Shifu, see? Here Big Brother wanted to commit a good deed by heart. He’s got a rather delicate soul-“

“I don’t have a soul, Daizi-“ Bajie’s ear slapped Wukong across the mouth and as if by magic shut him up for good. The red print on his cheek and the annoying pinching on his skin bristled Wukong’s fur as he launched at the pig’s flapping ear, however he restrained himself from the bite at the last second.

“Venerable Master, do you finally see the reason? It was more than a self-defence. As well as Lady Wolf Witch nearly getting knocked off in that horrible fight my own poor heart wouldn’t be able to survive another scarring-“

“Enough!“ Sanzang’s resolute voice was irked. A strange unknown feeling washed over him and his heart. The monk didn’t recognise it but he was capable of describing it - his ears were swollen from Mei’s urging, his skin was breaking out in rash from the constant Sha Seng’s squeezing and his throat squeezed whenever both directed their puppy eyes on him. How strange as he had never before minded them, quite the opposite, they were one those whose presence he enjoyed the most. “The Queen is outraged! Her captain is ready to corner us even more! What’s worse, the city is surely under a lockdown…“

“Shifu, you're exaggerating. It was only a small group which got in. The Queen surely won’t think much of it,“ Bajie beamed as his tusks bored into a tart apple.

Knock. Knock.

Even the tiniest movement of the group stopped upon the light tapping reached their ears.

“Y-Yes, please?“ Tang Sanzang coyly stepped closer to the sliding door.

“It is me, the Captain of Her Majesty’s guards. May I enter, sir? Or is it more suitable for me and my men to go and see you a little bit later?“ The muffled nasal voice hammered against Wukong’s eardrums and nerves. As if to feed his irritation, the request of the soldier was granted an approval. “No such thing as further delaying is needed. Please enter, Captain. Our sincere apologies, but we’ve already eaten a fair amount of food. If you do not mind, may we at least offer you some nuts?“

“No. Thank you but I must decline your hospitality this time," Captain Jun looked around the room. His suspicious gaze settled upon the larger table in the left corner of the room. There were big plates and bowls, by a quick counting possibly seven or so dishes, dirty from the leftovers. Jun narrowed his eyes,“You didn’t touch the meat? How strange, I was of the opinion our cook was the best of the best with his culinary skills.“

The Tripitaka fidgeted on the spot when the pair of guards standing by the door looked over to them.

“I deeply apologise for the rudeness of interrupting you,“ Mei jumped in for the quick rescue,“but wouldn’t it be a bit unwise to eat such heavy food in this weather, Captain? We simply ate what was easier to digest. We, of course, are going to taste your local delicacies, only a bit later when our bodies won’t ache so much. Besides, I don’t think our food is the goal of your visit, sir.“

The response satisfied the crane demon. “Very well,“ he looked at the group one more time. For a moment he observed Wukong, soon, though, he blinked over to the place where Márgerdra was sitting quiet as a mouse. Jun’s graceful features relaxed. “You are, indeed, right, Miss Ah Xiuying. Because Her Majesty is now in a great hurry to secure the safety of her people she requested me to visit you on her behalf. Yet, the content of her message is something I identify with. Therefore we both deeply regret that Miss Yaling and Miss Ah Xiuying were the eyewitnesses and victims of the bandits breaking in. Furthermore, our units are already on their tracks and with my most accomplished men both in the field and in interrogation, I doubt the responsible will have enjoyed the freedom for more than a week. With a fair share of experience, I’m giving him two weeks at best.“

“Sure thing,“ Wukong murmured with folded arms,“till now you’ve been just rolling your ass in a fine seat.“

The captain turned around and snivelled until his nostrils largened beyond belief,“What is it, Huang? Anything important?“

“Me?“ Wukong shot his feet down from the table and pretended his obliviousness as best as he could,“No, nothing worth mentioning. I was only thanking you that you managed to run down the stairs, Captain, and saved my lovely wife and sister-in-law from these fiendish foes. Always on time when it’s needed. What a hero…“ The unmistakable glint in dark eyes accentuated the Sage’s sneer.

Jun chewed on his inner cheek. The temperature around him appeared to drop significantly. “I am glad whenever I can be of service, especially to such a young and already accomplished fighter and scholar, from what I’ve heard. Aside from your wife, some praise, naturally, goes to you, too, Huang.“

“I can’t lie. I married well.“ Wukong knew the easiness of his words got his rival worked up, it didn’t matter how well Jun tried to mask it behind his gentlemanly behaviour.

The tall demon delivered his apology once more to the women as well as the young monk whose room became a nest of hostility. He then turned around to march out with his subordinates but caught himself at the last second. Jun gently stroked his forehead under the helmet as if he nearly forgot to do something.“By any chance, did the servants inform you about the state of gates and the travel routes going through the city?“

Mei took a sharp breath,“You’re connected to other cities?“

Her question honestly startled the young official,“Naturally, Miss Ah Xiuying. Even though we are a demonic settlement we need to be supplied. Our disguised merchants can freely trade with the outsiders and humans under crucial conditions. Yet we do not deny their right as well as the fact that only a small fee and a certain percentage goes into the royal coffer. That is the reason why business is quite popular with our citizens.“

“Apologies for interrupting, sister, but nobody told us a thing about those routes. What happened to them? Have they been destroyed?“ Márgerdra asked, never taking her eyes off of Jun.

“No, you needn’t to worry about such a scenario, Miss Yaling,“ he chuckled,“that would be an utterly foolish thing to do. However, all the gates are now closed on the order of Her Majesty to ensure the safety of our people. Nobody goes in or out.“ Jun’s onyx eyes danced on the group, a small attempt to find something written on their stone faces. Soon, with a silent ‘goodbye’ he walked out and left them drowning in their inner grim thoughts.

****

“Is everyone prepared?“ Mei’s curious question striked the rest who were still in the process of dressing up. Márgerdra carefully hid her whip behind the light blue silk belt and covered it with her long cloak while Wukong and Wujing made sure their own weapons didn’t stick out from their ears. With his floppy ears, Bajie didn’t need to concern himself with such worry. “We should depart soon if we want to check out the city.“

“Your Highness, don’t forget we’re about to control the routes and gates to form an escape plan. This isn’t about sightseeing,“ Márgerdra reprimanded her.

“I’m aware of that. But“ Mei was all smiles,“we aren’t going to be blindfolded. We can still enjoy the day! I’ve heard the local marketplace holds plenty of interesting specialities. There should even be a performance going on! Let’s go there, Márgerdra!“ The princess yanked her advisor’s hand like a small child.

“Yeah, Márgerdra, let’s go there and see what these nice locals have to offer,“ Wukong smirked at the frowning witch. He didn’t intend to hide his teasing.

“Your Highness, please, understand we’re not here to have a-“

“You’re right, Your Highness,“ Sanzang and Wujing said with sparkling excitement upon hearing the idea.

Such an unexpected enthusiasm couldn’t be shared with the Immortal who was suddenly lost for words and whose fur bristled up,“Shifu, you can’t be serious. We’re in the middle of a nest swarming with demons! You’d be much safer inside this room with me on the watch.“ Wukong’s cries went unrewarded. The last thing he heard before the door loudly shutting behind was Bajie’s cheerful laughter as the four hand in hand joyfully set out for their walk throughout the colourful city.

Márgerdra stood next to him, worry wrinkling her pretty face,“This is going to be a long day, isn’t it?“

“Remind me to buy a couple of acupuncture needles,“ the monkey sighed and massaged his temples.

“Don’t worry, I suppose I’ll need some too. But do we even have money for that? All’s been either lost or confiscated.“

“Not quite. Shufen sent some to Shifu. Sometimes, I’m glad he’s the good-looking one in the group…“ Wukong murmured as they entered the opulent hallway with more motifs of a bamboo grove with creatures of gold, silver and bronze with gemstones instead of eyes. Thankfully, the four were waiting for them, loud and lively as ever. Out of nowhere, Wujing yelped out, then he and the rest became laughing hysterically as he realised Mei pulled a prank on him with her cold fingers around his neck.

“Splitting up the job, Wukong?“

“Seems like it. Taking care of Daizi and Shifu.“

“I’m reserving Mei and Ol’ Sha. Good luck.“

They wearily sighed and set out to meet their fellow travellers.

****

Ao Lie’s hooves sank into the wet ground. Leaves tickled his stomach but he didn’t mind anymore. His whole body was stung by mosquitos and flies, his nose was full of mucus from the humidity.

“Bai Long Ma, get up!“ Wukong encouraged the exhausted horse but no matter how hard he tried, even his own limbs trembled, unable to help the dragon prince to stand up. The clone warned Bai Long Ma the spell would soon wear out but Lie still hoped the companion would remain with him longer than this. Soon, only a single strand of hair would be left of the clone.

They walked not more than five steps when both collapsed. Birds were chirping and bees were buzzing around the two. “Damn this marsh. So far the worst landscape we’ve been to,“ Lie cursed under his breath and tossed his greenish mane to the side. It still didn’t scare away the fly whirring around his ear.

For a while, they were huffing, wishing for a downpour. Lie tried for a small talk to avoid the silence since he’d started missing the group. He’d talk the whole day but he cut himself off. Wukong stretched out his spine, pointy ears listened closely as the simian held his breath.

“What’s going on, brother?“ Lie wanted to ask but the clone hinted to do nothing. Although Lie waited patiently a concerning feeling of his guts twisting enveloped him. Then Wukong jumped up and ran towards the shadows of the tall trees with a petrifying yell. His knees were visibly wobbly but it didn’t discourage the double in his pursuit. But what was he attacking?

Ao Lie, fearing for the monkey’s safety once he saw his buckling slim legs, cried out,“Wukong! What’s-?!“

“Run!“ The clone yelled behind himself before diving into the darkness. Not long after, the dragon horse heard a clash of steel, monkey shrieking, curses and spells being shouted. Suddenly, everything went dead silent. The eeriness of the moment built up within the stallion. As if to worsen the situation intentionally, clouds overlapped the sky, their monstrous mouths full of foam swallowing the sun.

Lie snorted. He gnawed on his cheek and forced himself back on his feet. He did not dare to come closer to the place where his companion vanished, though. An acidic smell came from there.

Because he found himself unable to move, he started counting. On five he must, he has to, begin running no matter where, how far or how fast. He has to go immediately.

Upon reaching the final count, his powerful legs lifted. Yet, they never touched the ground behind.

A voice from the shadows stopped him from going further. Quite deep, it carried a distinctive rough pitch. “Brother! We’ve been looking for you! You made us worried. Where have you been?“

When Lie turned to meet the person he couldn’t believe his eyes. It’s him. Just him, his good old friend.

He wanted to come closer but something deep down warned him no to. Something wasn’t right with the person. There were several details, hidden in plain sight. But Bai Long Ma registered one which made his blood freeze. His friend’s hand was bloody and holding a single dark brown strand of hair.

A heart beat, two, then three. The moment of the two demons staring each other down felt like eternity.

Bai Long Ma turned around and ran, he ran like never before in his life. Something was off, wrong with the person. He looked like, no, he was Wukong. But something there, written in that face was twisted, grotesque and wicked. He remembered the dream he had the previous night. “Don’t trust the eyes, for they may easily deceive,“ ever so gentle Guanyin said. But which eyes? His own dragon eyes? Or those…!

The blood. That hair. His eyes. Wukong’s eyes had never carried such intensity, as if something evil, contorted lay beneath. Then it struck him. Underneath the cloak, right where Wukong’s two ears were, there…

He didn’t finish the thought. The stranger landed on his back, the impact nearly broke Bai Long Ma’s spine in half. The dragon-horse didn’t call out as something hard struck his skull. The white body with webbed mane went limp.

****

The marketplace was located in the centre of the city. It consisted of stalls of various goods and flavours. The place, no matter how many dilapidated buildings surrounded it, was brimming with the bubbly spirit of the locals who’d already begun with decorations of their homes and narrow streets.

Mei merrily shoved her bowl of soup into the monk’s face and nearly knocked out his teeth. “This is so good! Try it! Please!“

The young monk’s forehead was flooded in heavy sweat and he heard only a minimum of what the princess told him in the noon uproar of the merchants and their customers mixed with the murmur of the river that was flowing nearby. Everyone was looking at them when they first entered the spacious marketplace. Fortunately, the word about the newcomers and the actions of the ugly imp spreaded in the crowd like a wildfire and many had a good laugh on the idea of the dashing Guard Captain being challenged by a sole monkey. Since then, not one stall had a problem with offering fresh foods and delicacies, child’s toys and books with poems, fine fabrics and dress and jewellery. “Well, if you insist so much,“ the Tripitaka replied and took the bowl. A single sip sent pleasant sweetness, though slightly bitter, down his throat. It was a welcomed refreshment, indeed.

“Shif-“

“Shui!“ the group screamed before Wujing managed to speak out fully. After a reassuring pat on the head from the young princess he mustered the courage to offer a few dumplings. “Have some, please.“

“Thank you but I have to decline. You yourself haven’t eaten much, so-“

Mei didn’t hesitate. Perhaps for the first time in her life, she munched on her food and with full mouth she yelled out,“These. Are. So. Good! How are the local cooks so amazing?! You ought to have at least a single bite, Shui. Will you do it for me?“ The flicker of her lashes made Sanzang give up and take upon the princess’ offer. Mei let out a delighted squeal. She curiously scanned the other seats of the food stall and stopped when she noticed the tensed figure of the Immortal. “Hey! You over there! Stop glowering and come closer! Pretty please!“ she gestured to slouching Wukong who was sitting by the edge of the bench.

Zhu Bajie bumped into the senior disciple which caused a good portion of his drink to spill out. “C’mon, Big Bro. Give us just a few minutes to refresh ourselves. Then we can go on with the…tour around the city.“

Wukong folded his arms, leaned back and after a quick scold from Sanzang for putting his feet on the table, he forced himself to wait for the group to finish their meal. Although, he soon found himself in a dreamy state once someone passed him the bowl of coconut pudding topped with sesame seeds. The whole portion vanished in his mouth and when he was asking for the second one, a soft chuckle caught his attention. “I’ve never had you for a sweet tooth.“

“I’m not,“ Wukong answered Márgerdra while he gladly accepted his second bowl from Sanzang,“but a change once in a while can’t hurt.“ He eyed her for a moment. The witch was also enjoying the soft flavour of a sweet potato soup, though her choice was hardly unexpected. He put the pudding down and wiped his mouth with the wide black sleeve. “Would you like to try this out?“

“Excuse me?“

“Whether you want to have the pudding. It’s pretty tasty and I see you’ve been liking the sweets the most. I’d be honestly glad if you accepted.“

Márgerdra, despite being baffled by his late behaviour, nodded,“Since you’re quite the adamant gentleman, why not? Thank you very much.“

As she was about to accept the meal from Wukong, Bajie loudly announced,“Despite our lunch being the best of the best I’ve had, we better get movin’. It might be around noon now but there’s a great chunk of the undiscovered city ahead of us. A walk will help us to easily digest these delicacies, too.“

Despite their bodies pushing hard through the crowd, the Pilgrims didn’t escape the near suffocation. Regardless of the time advancing steadily, more and more inhabitants were flooding streets. The marketplace lay in the centre of the whirlpool of bodies which spiralled around like a flock of vultures. Nevertheless, it didn’t hold the travellers back. They bravely made their way through to discreetly inspect the main gate and also the smaller one facing the north.

“You did that on purpose,“ Wukong told Bajie once caught up to him in the crowd. Since it was impossible to go around together, the group separated to look for the third large gate, the one with a trade route leading to the Country of the Brocade Lantern, orientated towards the west - Márgerdra went with Sanzang, Wujing accompanied Mei and Wukong chose to keep an eye on overly eager Bajie.

Pigsy’s ears flapped as he snivelled what slowly worked Wukong up. “Don’t pretend like you have zero idea what I’m talking about.“

“Brother,“ the pig demon rubbed his hands,“I know it’s hard to believe but I really don’t know what you’re on about. In fact, I wanted to see the city as much as I could! Look around! All the wonders of the world. Not everyday you wake up and experience a functioning demonic city.“

Wukong paused for a while. He pouted, his tail twitched. He scratched behind his ear,“Is that all?“

“Of course. You’re not suspecting me of anything, are you??“

The monkey didn’t deliver an answer. He let Bajie take the lead through the crowd meanwhile the simian submerged deep into his thoughts. He didn’t realise Bajie stopped following him the moment they stepped into an alleyway. “The gate should be around here somewhere. Wouldn’t be that bad if we were a little bit more cautious from now on. Bajie?“

“Listen, I think you can go on your own for a minute. There’s too many side paths. It would be for the best if we split up.“

“Why precisely?“ Feeling that more was going on under the surface, the Great Sage walked up to the fidgeting Zhu Bajie. When the middle disciple refused to look him in the eye, Wukong decided to observe the area by himself. All it took was a single look to the left when Wukong’s eyes met a large house with a sign. The characters were written the most elegant and precise way, a perfect contrast to the hectic atmosphere of the fair. The Sage, whose guts were twitching with each second passed, read them outloud,“Midnight Flowers of Delight.“ He faced Bajie in disgust,“Seriously? You can’t keep it in your pants for a damned day?“

“C’mon! You have no idea what it feels like to sleep alone at night.“ Bajie cried unaware of Wukong convulsively forming fists. “You’re beside that cute witch while I have to sleep next to snoring Ol’ Sha. Doesn’t matter he’s got a separate bed. Last night, he even sneezed on me! Have you ever been sneezed on by a river demon? It’s absolutely nauseating!“

“Shut up!“ The monkey lost control and punched the pig so hard he flew a good ten bus back. He waited for the boar to pull himself together and then firmly stepped in the direction of a tiny stall. Seeing it was only filled with brushes of numerous sizes, the Immortal pretended his interest just to distract himself and to calm down. He was arching over an inkstone when Pigsy whispered to him, still rubbing his aching rear.“You didn’t have to go that far, brother.“

“You made me do it. It was all your sole decision. I only delivered the result, brother,“ Wukong scowled.

“Fine, maybe you’re right. I ought to stop thinking about pretty ladies with long legs.“

“Glad to hear that.“

“With a thin waist and milky skin, too.“

Wukong rolled his eyes once he heard Pigsy’s dreamy voice. A magnificent magnolia-shaped Duan inkstone and a fine ink brush with an orange handle caught his attention, something which sparked an idea.“How much for these?“

“Also with blonde hair, preferably.“ Pigsy’s additional playful wink didn’t help to cease the heat of the situation.

Once the old vendor turned to check the price, the monkey turned on his heel and grabbed the pig marshal by the ear. His voice lowered, the menacing tone made Bajie shiver from head to toes. “I’m giving you the last chance, Daizi. You speak like this ever again, I’m punching your greasy fat guts out. I don’t care how many rounds of Headband Tightening Spell I’m risking. I will do it.“

“Big Bro, I was just messing around,“ Zhu Bajie cried out,“I wanted to tease you a bit as a prank. Let me go, please!“

The monkey’s jaw dropped. All the feelings mixed inside him like the most wretched ingredients in the boiling cauldron. He was appalled, confused, and outraged. The pressure of his slim fingers eased. Under them, red droplets poured from the purple dots and elongated scratch wounds. The Great Sage’s innards quivered. It was only a silly joke and nothing more. Yet, the squeeze was greater than ever before.

“Brother, I’m sorry. Let me take care of that.“

“What? Is my hearing deceiving me?“ Bajie held onto his bleeding ear. “You feel guilty about bullying me? I better thank Guanyin for hearing out my cries for help.“

“Shut up. I’m serious this time.“

Seeing the honesty in his senior’s eyes, Bajie’s tense face relaxed, his snout wrinkled when he offered his fellow a warm smile,“Thanks, Big Bro.“

“Young man,“ a fragile finger tapped on the monkey demon’s shoulder. The old man handed Wukong, who immediately threw a fit, his bill,“How much?!“

“Young master, I have to make a living, too.“

Wukong turned to Bajie with a grumble after unsuccessfully digging through the pouch of taels. “Brother, could you lend me some for today? I’ll give it back right after we get back to the palace.“

“Don’t worry, I’ll handle it for you, just show me the sum- How much?!?! Six silver taels for a piece of rock and a brush?!“ Bajie grabbed his head,“Alright, here. Just so me and my conscience can rest well tonight.“

“Thanks. As I said I’ll return everything. I just forgot that I handled the food back then.“

“No, you’re fine. Anyway, what do you need that for?“ Bajie whispered so as not to bring attention of the vendor on Wukong who cautiously shoved an empty scroll of paper behind his shirt.

“That is none of your business.“ Regardless of the briefness of his response, the words didn’t carry a single sign of loathe. It was simply a pragmatic way to end the discussion to continue in pushing through the mass. Not long after, the hairy neck stretched out to bring the dark eyes crowning Wukong’s head to the highest level where he clearly saw a pair of familiar people approaching them. The monkey demon waved for the two to come closer. As the Wolf Witch and the Tang monk slowly made their way towards Bajie and Wukong, the monkey man reduced the package and hid it next to Ruyi Jingu Bang in his ear. Bajie wasn’t sure whether he saw well but even in the scorching heat of the early afternoon’s sun it appeared his senior smiled.

“Found something, blondie?“

“A little bit. Guards at the gate have the best equipment and they don’t look like playing around. Captain wasn’t joking when he said nobody goes in or out. You?“

“Not quite. Wait, where’s the rest? Didn’t we agree to meet…?“ Wukong didn’t finish. Two people crashed into Bajie’s side. It was the Tiger Princess and the Friar Sand. Both were carrying various trinkets and trifles, shiny and colourful, carved or making noises. “Sorry, we lost our way around,“ Ol’ Sha started first,“then we found an interesting stall with these! So Her High- Ah Xiuying thought about bringing some.“

“Yep! Here, I must say that Sha Seng is such a sweetheart for helping me with these.“ Both the girl and the demon beamed, seemingly not ever registering the baffled expressions on their fellows’ faces. “Anyway, who wants a souvenir?“

****

The gold of the sun was slowly vanishing behind the proud mountain range. The palace towered above the city dancing in the light of red lanterns, azure paper cranes, golden phoenixes and green dragons. “Whoa! Look! This is wonderful! Not even back home we had these sorts of celebrations. What do you think, Márgerdra?“

The witch put aside the silver comb and peeked above Mei’s shoulder. In front of her, a marvellous view spreaded and captured her the same way as it did with the young princess. “Indeed, dear. I wonder what else the locals can come up with if this is only the mere start.“

“Too bad we didn’t make it to the street performance,“ Mei hanged her head low upon hearing the gasps and whoops of the onlookers and the loud catchy melodies from the land below.

“Don’t worry, Mei. I promise that we’ll go tomorrow. Now head up, please, or your pretty hair’s never going to get combed.“ Neatly and carefully, she went through thick strands. From time to time, her ears caught onto shallow exhales. “What are you doing there? You seem rather uneasy.“

“Just scribbling again. Nothing serious, you silly,“ Mei laughed it off.

“Truly? Well, I think,“ Márgerdra cautiously sank the comb into the last bits of Mei’s long hair,“that you’re back to your poems.“

Mei puckered her lips, then released a heartfelt chuckle. “Fine, you won. I’m writing again. The latest events sparkled some inspiration. Besides it’s been some time since I either practised on erhu or speaking in verse.“ Out of the blue, the young woman turned around. Excitement twinkling in her eyes, she exclaimed,“Wanna hear it?“

The witch’s heart missed a beat from the sudden noise. It didn’t stop her from a tender cheer,“Naturally, dear. Come on, show me.“

“It’s only a few verses but here we go.“ The princess gently cleared her throat.

“White horses run through the blue of the sky,

the flowers in the maiden’s garden are in full bloom

for she awaits good news sent by the silver moon

that her father bought her mother a golden comb

and for the the maiden a jaded butterfly

which will bring a new spring to her home.“

Right after the princess said the last word, the witch clapped her hands. Mei beamed but she cut herself off when she saw her best friend frozen with astonishment. Quickly, Mei crawled closer.

“It’s one of the finest poems I’ve heard in a long time, Mei. You should go on with this one.“

The princess threw herself at the witch and hugged her closest friend tightly. She whispered,“You should stop worrying me, silly. Thought something happened when you didn’t say a word at first. That’s my job.“

“I know, little plum,“ Márgerdra giggled, “I can’t help it, though.“ She glanced to the side. A tall candle, whose flickering flame cast astounding shadows on the wall with a tree blooming in the middle of a winter, turned in the meantime into a pool of wax. “Oh, my! You should be in your bed and rest. Today was quite a hard day. Good thing that the Queen rescheduled the dinner for tomorrow.“

“You’re going with us, right?“

“I’m not so sure. Bajie and Wukong might need a hand in the investigation. But Ol’ Sha is certainly going with you and the Venerable Master. He’ll take care of it, don’t worry,“ the advisor helped the princess to get comfortable. Suddenly, her eyes went wide. “I almost forgot. I saw this at the market and thought it may come in handy once. Just in case you won’t be able to throw such a spectacular punch like the last time.“ The Wolf Witch handed the young princes a fine dagger with a handle carved in the shape of a jumping tiger with ruby eyes and claws. Before astonished Mei could say a single word of gratitude, the witch leaned closer and gently pinched one of her rosy cheeks. “Goodnight.“

“Márgerdra, I’ve something to tell you. After all this, I feel that I rather see you as my best friend…no, my big sister, not my… mother. I’m sorry but she is…was someone…“

“Special. As she should be, Mei,“ Márgerdra’s lips quivered like leaves caressed by the morning breeze,“ not a single person in the world could ever replace who she truly was. It was an honour to serve her and now you.“ The Lady Wolf Witch paused. When she spoke again, Mei could hear a faint smile in her soothing low voice,“Sweet dreams, little plum.“

****

“Goodnight and don’t forget - next time no souvenirs.“ Wukong slid the door shut, its crackle spread throughout the long corridor. Once he turned around, his heart stopped for an unpleasantly long moment.

“Greetings, master.“ Yawen’s face was uncomfortably close, so much their noses almost touched. “Is everything alright? You look upset.“

“Miss Yawen,“ Wukong forced his scowl behind a large grin. “We meet again. Hopefully your health’s been intact since the bathhouse incident.“

“How thoughtful of you to ask me for my well-being. Although, I’ve had terrible nightmares since,“ the snake demoness sighed deeply and dramatically raised her hand to her pale forehead,“I would be lying if I said I’m not getting any better.“

“If you say so, Miss Yawen. Goodnight then.“ Wukong was prepared to march away but Yawen hooked around his arm. “Why? Are you going to sleep? The night’s still young. Besides, we’ve just met! What would you say about a quick walk through the gardens? I know a marvellous spot with a fine pool and a tree you’ve certainly never seen in your adventurous life.“ Instead of addressing the woman the monkey grimaced. The way she moved around him, the pressure of her body, how she squeezed his biceps, her fawning words, that she dared to come so close, all of it was making him sick.

Because Yawen noticed the hidden disgust, she stood on her tiptoes and whispered to his ear,“As I mentioned to your wife, I have something to tell you.“

Wukong raised his eyebrow. “My wife, Miss Yawen?“

“Indeed, dear Master Huang, an important proposition. It’s related to Her Majesty…“

Approaching footsteps interrupted the demoness. Wukong didn’t need to turn. The light sweet scent with fruity undertones and mane of gold in his peripheral vision was all he wanted to appear. The simian threw his hands so abruptly that the back of his palm accidentally slapped Yawen across her face. “Dearest! I was thinking where you wandered to. I hope my sister-in-law is fine. Are you ready to go off to bed?“

“Yes, I am. Though one of our hosts may not be.“ Márgerdra glared at Wukong’s unexpected company. Sensing the two demonesses were at each other’s throat, he promised Miss Yawen to talk about the offer with the witch. At last, they both wished a goodnight and vanished behind the opposite doorway.

****

Through gritted teeth, Márgerdra explained Miss Yawen’s proposal. Not only her voice, a blazing whirlwind of hostility, was gradually rising, her teeth were elongating, too. The woman’s bestial eyes shone in the dark corner of the room. She soon left the gloomy place and began pacing up and down in the golden candlelight which glittered on her skin and hair.

“Do you understand now?“

In the meanwhile, Wukong made himself at most comfortable in the wide armchair - legs over the armrests with his right hand supporting his head like a pillar he became the epitome of carefreeness. In the past, the witch’s reaction would have made his blood boil but now, strangely enough, her outrage made him chuckle. “Hey, blondie, calm down. Your muzzle’s going to show up.“

Márgerdra froze. At first, she only cast a baffled look, then when she saw her claws and felt the fair fur covering her cheekbones and forehead, she hid her face. A puff escaped her once again delicate lips. “I’m sorry you had to see me like this. A monstrous hag…“

Wukong observed her standing there in the dim light, so unnaturally sheepish and afraid. How the light jacket wasn’t enough to cover her shivering chest, her smooth hands he wished to touch for they’d been so gentle with him. “More like a pretty lady in a different coat if you ask me. A little bit too annoying for my taste but a lady nonetheless,“ He stood up and walked closer to the uncovered window where Márgerdra stood. He was beyond thankful for the breeze to waft her scent towards him. “I get that you’ve become pretty adjusted to this form.“

“You bet. The wolf appearance stopped feeling right some time ago.“ Her stern visage unsettled Wukong. To his liking, she’d been worrying too much lately.

“Here, drink this. It’ll make you relax.“ He raised the hand with the cup and waited until his companion accepted. “Thanks.“

“I should be thanking you.“

“How so?“

“Should I let you guess, blondie?“

“Mutual respect…“

Wukong faintly smiled. The porcelain of their cups clinked. “Cheers!“

The cool breeze caressed their forms. “It’s going to rain soon.“ Márgerdra sipped from the cup and let the liquid warm her inside out, a pleasant feeling for sure. Her mind wasn’t as clouded with anger as before however concern settled in her heart again. “Yawen is up to something. I know it. I can feel it in my bones. She doesn’t believe a single bit of our masquerade.“

“I think so too. Back in the bathhouse, I found a message the vipers wanted to deliver. I didn’t manage to retrieve it and I didn’t manage to finish reading it just in time only that Shifu should be kidnapped during the full moon. But I’m certain Golden Wind was the one who wrote it to his sibling here in the palace.“

“A sibling?“

“Yes. A twin sister. Her name wasn’t in the letter but…“

“Yawen.“

“Spot on.“

“You said they want to kidnap the venerable Master. The full moon - it would be the same date as Shufen’s celebration and the tournament.“ The wolf demoness hugged her chest - as she had rightly hinted, fine rain started to drum on the roof. “Which means we need to form a plan immediately.“

“Already done,“ Wukong pushed a low table away from the decorative screen.

Sensing the upcoming troubles in the air, the Lady Wolf Witch grabbed the bridge of her nose,“I wonder which of your wonderful ideas struck you this time. Wukong, careful with the furniture, it looks quite ancient.“

The Great Sage, still arching over, looked behind with a broad mischievous smile,“I’ll pay a visit to Miss Yawen if she desires it so much.“

Tens of shattered pieces splayed on the ground as Márgerdra’s cup slipped from her hand,“Did you lose your mind?! No. Never, Wukong. I won’t allow it.“

“Why not?“ The simian grimaced. Seeing the broken porcelain by his foot, he quickly snapped his fingers. The broken cup was no longer present, the spell put it back at its original place on the other side of the large room, completely intact. “As the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, I can handle myself.“

The demoness’ will was obdurate like the ice held by her eyes. “I’m not denying your skills. But Yawen’s calculated enough for the invitation to be a trap. Let’s not forget she’s most likely that fiend’s sister. The risk isn’t worth it.“

“C’mon, blondie. I can still use my clones.“

“Absolutely not. If somebody registers you're at two places at once we’re done for good.“

Wukong straightened up only to huff while he leaned against a wall. The careless motions of his right hand running through his hair was a clear sign for Márgerdra that the demon was losing his patience. “What’s the real reason, though? Do you want us to focus more on protecting Shifu and Her Highness or you’re just afraid I’m going to get hurt?“ He forced a smirk and waited for her to reply.

It didn’t take long. What was more, her answer truly caught him off-guard. “Both.“ After a while, she stepped closer. She stopped only when she was close enough to breathe in his salty scent. Her tender hands rested on his tensed shoulders. Only then, the witch locked her strange eyes with him. “Please, promise me you won’t go there.“

“That sleazy demoness appears to favour me for some reason. I may get something out of her. It can save us time and who knows,“ Wukong returned the favour and also placed his hands on her arms,“even us.“

Márgerdra submerged into her thoughts. Truly, it was all or nothing. An unpleasantly long moment passed before his words finally persuaded her. “Very well, I trust you with your judgement. But take somebody with you. No double, in case she’d play her own game.“

“To take someone? Like you?“

Hearing the teasing pitch, Márgerdra winked at Wukong,“That part - you said it yourself.“ A big yawn interrupted them. “Goodnight, monkey. I’ll see you tomorrow.“ She took out the peony hairpin and running through her released hair she approached the bed.

“Already off to sleep? I thought that Lady Wolf Witch would like a small gift.“

The witch was about to wrinkle her nose but turning around she found a package in the monkey man’s hands which drew her attention back. Márgerdra carefully took it, weighed it in her hands, as she hoped to guess the exact content of it, and slowly unpacked it on the prepared table. An exquisite inkstone and an ink brush appeared in front of her amazed eyes. “These are marvellous. But,“ she turned towards Wukong who brought up a scroll of rice paper and an ink,“what does it have to do with me?“

“Sit down. Then I’m going to tell you.“ Wukong winked and showed her a place on the floor by the adorned furniture piece.

Too tired to dive into a harsh exchange of opinions, she obeyed, though the woman still pursed her lips. “Would you at least, please, bring me my-“

“-comb? Of course, I would.“ A hairy limb with a comb decorated with pearls appeared by her side. “However, it’ll stay with me for a while.“

“You’re not going to brush my hair, right?“ Márgerdra bulged her eyes.

“Don’t worry,“ he sat right behind her and unfolded the scroll in front of them,“I know your hair’s important to you. I would never lay a finger on it. Not without your permission.“ His soft breath tickled her ear. Numbness was slowly leaving her body as he lightly pressed his form against hers.

“In that case, what’s on your mind?“

A moderate candle lit by her left. “I’ll show you the basics of writing and reading. So the next time I leave you a note, you’ll know what it’s all about.“

“Wukong,“ Márgerdra complained,“you know well I’m too dumb and old for this. It’s not going to lead anywhere. You should have saved your money for something…someone more useful.“

“You’re useful. Just trust yourself a bit. At least the same way you trust me. Didn’t we, after all, agree on respecting each other? If you value me, then value yourself.“ He struggled to peek above her shoulder but shoving a jacket under his rear he was finally able to face her properly. The black paint on his face accentuated his eyes which glistened in the candlelight. Like a living fire, they were once dark brown, then amber of colour, yet they always carried the same tenderness he’d always been hiding behind his frown and brutish ways. “Can we make a deal that you’re going to let me guide you a bit until the candle burns away? Not a stroke more, I swear.“

She averted her pale face. Her hand rose from her lap and softly landed by the brush on the rosewood. Deliberately, her lips moved,“Fine. Teach me, then.“

Wukong’s finger under her chin lightly directed her head forward to face the Xuan paper. He let her take the ink brush, however his hand had to overlap hers to help to solidify the grasp on it. “Don’t forget - courage and confidence.“ The demon king whispered and soon the witch felt his chin laying on her shoulder. His breath again tickled her on the neck. She didn’t protest, quite the opposite, she leaned against his firm chest which radiated with unmistakable protectiveness. Soon, in the rhythm of the silent raindrops and sleepy marketplace, they were writing character after character, the next stroke easier than the one before. Wukong’s clear and helpful instructions were getting more and more sporadic until they both submerged into a pleasant silence. Márgerdra realised she was focused like never before.

“We still have a bit of the candle left. Let me help you write a sentence. Unlike before, I won’t tell you the meaning because that’s going to be your job once we finish it.“

“What if there’s going to be a character I don’t know?“

“Don’t worry, I’ll use just the ones we’ve been practising. Although, you’d figure the unknown one anyway.“

“You think so?“

“I’m sure of it. You’re much smarter than what you like to think,“ he replied.

She glanced over her right shoulder. Wukong’s face was emerging from the cool dark to bathe in the flickering light. For the first time, she saw him this close. Something inside made her examine those distinct features. Being so close to him, seeing him as he truly was, had always been, made her notice that so many details about him could have been perceived as nice if they weren’t so much exaggerated. Truly, his cheekbones, high and sharp, gave him a noble look just like the small nose where few tiny freckles dotted his smooth skin, as smooth as the skin on his hands which finally healed from the bruises and calluses. His thin lips, so rough and chapped in the past, looked soft, though not as soft as the gaze he was holding under his eyelids, so heavy from the tiredness, crowned with long and silky lashes which were even darker than his naughty hair.

“Blondie, focus, we’re almost at the finish line.“

“I’m sorry for degrading you in the past for your looks.“ Her sudden change of the topic baffled him. He wanted to say something but her next sentence and the honesty with which she spoke left the demon speechless. “I’ve just realised that you’re quite handsome in your own impish way.“

Instinctively, Wukong pulled his left hand, which resided on Márgerdra’s waist, closer. The movement, although slight, made the demoness jump up,“Hey, careful there. I’m quite sensitive around my belly.“

Wukong shook his head to come back from his astonishment. “Excuse me? You mean that you’re ticklish or what exactly?“

“Not exactly ticklish,“ Márgerdra bit on her lower lip as she was trying hard to find the right words. “It’s a wolf thing. A moment too long and my reflexes would get…interesting.“

Wukong chuckled,“Like the belly scratches?“

“Yes. Listen, if you ever say a word about this to anyone-“

“You’re going to shove me into the nearest pool. I get it.“ Márgerdra’s frown quickly vanished upon hearing the monkey’s lighthearted laughter.

Midway through the sentence, Wukong changed his mind and the two began to write a new phrase. Wukong found himself leaning against Márgerdra’s shoulder again. For whatever reason he couldn’t help himself but enjoy her silky wavy hair caressing his cheek.

As they were proceeding to another character, a curiosity popped on the tip of the Sage’s tongue,“I don’t want to mingle with your personal life. But how is it possible that such a young and intelligent court lady doesn’t know a single bit about writing and reading?“

It took Márgerdra several heartbeats to respond, something that Wukong stopped to hope for,“It’s never been a priority. Our Master, he was a great man. Courageous, honest, honourable. But Ulfrika’s training was more important. You see, my poor sister was born with a condition, her case needed more attention. When she began to train to become our Master’s successor, Master Kogar hoped that the majority of what he had taught her, that she would teach us one day. But that day never came.“

“How so?“

“A street scum like the two of us…who would ever want to take care of that? Survival. That was our priority. As I said, my sister’s well familiar with these…“

“But your turn never came. Until now…“ Wukong went quiet. Deep inside, he began to pity his companion. He sensed her shame in her tensed muscles, head trying to hide in between in her fragile shoulders. To relieve her, the monkey asked jokingly,“How old are you though?“

“You don’t ask a lady her age, Wukong,“ she giggled. “I’m not certain about my exact birth date. So I can’t tell.“

“Come one! Guesstimate. Please?“

“Alright. Since the wolf demons age differently, plus I’ve got an advantage as a natural-born witch, there’s been the Tsarigrad…“ Márgerdra was thinking aloud as she counted from head. She tilted back a bit. Her left eye had to squint a bit since she raised her index finger on her left cheek. The more he was looking at her in this pose, deep within her precise recollection of thoughts and eerily quick calculations, Wukong realised he found her oddly adorable. He did not utter a bit about it, though. Whether from shame or that he simply didn’t want to disturb her, he wasn’t quite sure himself. “Seems like…around seven hundred? Maybe?“

“Seven centuries old?“ Wukong widened his eyes as he took a closer look at the woman who, in fact, appeared to be no more than twenty-seven. “You look pretty good, honestly.“

“Thank you,“ she smiled at him. “And you? How really old is the Great Sage’s hide?“

“Roughly three to four hundred years older than you.“

“Over a thousand?! Funny. You might be of the same age as Ulfrika. Still, seems like both of you will forever not look a year older than, what, twenty-eight?“

“I see you’re rather generous with compliments tonight,“ he squeezed her waistline to get a chuckle out of her, forgetting about her hinted reflexes. The Wolf Witch jumped up in her seat as her left leg shook, her foot stamped several times as the demoness fought off the urge to scratch herself or to expose her belly even more. Wukong let go of her instantly. He expected her to growl at him but once his amused snort escaped from him she rewarded him with a ringing giggle of her own.

After a while of more writing, he announced,“The candle’s out and we’re finally done. Well, blondie, with a bit more practice I can see you having a pretty handwriting. Neat, elegant, delicate.“ He carefully stood up, as not to accidentally hit the witch, and approached the open window. The city was exhausted, submerged within the deep slumber, its street nowhere near resembling their daytime twins. Only a cricket from here and there disturbed the tranquillity of the night like a rock thrown into the pool but just like the mirror-like surface of the said pool, the blissful calm returned soon.

“Don’t you want to know how I’d read it?“

“Why not? After all, that was our deal. By the way, here’s the comb,“ Wukong threw her the pearl treasure, then he leaned against the wooden frame and poked his head out.

“A person’s will should be that of a tree trunk, powerful and unyielding, and a person’s heart like that of a flowing stream, gentle and joyous.“

“Correct.“

They fell silent, both too invested in their own interests - Wukong in admiring the cloudless sky and Márgerdra with combing her never-ending strands. It did not last long. “What did it cost you? It must have been a good fortune,“ her smooth voice lowered just like her lashes. “What do I owe you, dearest friend?“

Wukong threw his hand in the most careless way possible,“Don’t worry about it. Consider it a gift, as I said previously. I’m just glad I could be helpful.“

“You mean it?“

“Sure thing, blondie.“

“For some reason, I feel like a boulder fell off of my chest tonight. I think I told you things not even Mei knows about.“ She gave him a low chuckle,“Sometimes, you pretend to be an absolute brute and a soulless asshole. Deep down, though, you’re pretty sweet.“

“Whatever. Just don’t say that in public. Might as well ruin my reputation.“

The Wolf Witch blew out the remaining candlelight and let the sleep-inducing darkness swallow the room. She sneaked behind the monkey demon. She was thinking about her idea over and over until she finally whispered to him,“I know you’re not the biggest fan. But can I touch your face?“

The simian’s answer pleasantly took her by surprise. “Fine. For this time, I’m giving you an exception. However,“ he stuck out his index as he spoke,“just this once.“ Still too invested in the view in front of him, he didn’t turn to face the advisor. Thankfully, it was enough for her.

Soon, he felt how her lips brushed against his cheek. “Thank you, Wukong. Goodnight.“

It took him some time to process what had just happened. His shivering fingers fleetingly touched the place where she pecked him. His ears burnt, his eyes stared widely into nothingness as he became a motionless statue standing in the moonlight. When he turned around he didn’t find a soul there. The witch was already on the bed with her back facing the windows. Her shallow breaths indicated the advisor was already fast asleep.

Corners of his lips twirled up faintly and he whispered back even though she couldn’t possibly hear him,“Goodnight, Márgerdra.“

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Taglist (let me know if you'd like to be added): @vanessaroades-author @rubywrite @aohendo @rbbess110 @jgmartin @outpost51

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List of chapters:

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-three

Chapter Twenty-four

Chapter Twenty-five

Chapter Twenty-six

Chapter Twenty-seven

Epilogue

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